This is a painting of an older widow. Proud. In movement. I used gold leaf for the jewelry to symbolize how important these adornments are to them.

Sadly, part of Indian culture has been to remove widows’ wedding jewelry, not allowing them to wear it after their husband’s death. I learned about this cultural tradition from Friends of Kalangarai during our travels to India last January. This portrait is about the strength of this widow and her courage to adorn herself again.