Hand in Hand

#97018     40″ X 30″      ac

In a tragic week in September 1997, the world lost two of its greatest and kindest women: the Princess of Wales and Mother Theresa.

Even though their lives and backgrounds were extremely different, both of them devoted their lives wholeheartedly to charity and humanity. The compassion and achievements of both women were phenomenal and will be remembered by the world.

Princess Diana utilized and transformed the prestige and power of her royal position into a dynamic force to serve the more than 200 charitable funds and institutions which she chaired. As “a symbol of selfless humanity, a standard-bearer for the rights of the truly downtrodden,” Princess Diana comforted the sick, the weak and the disabled; as well as embraced the fight against AIDS, cancer, alcoholism, and landmines. The unhappy experiences of her youth and the hardships of her own life greatly deepened the Princess’ own love and compassion for all of humanity.

Mother Theresa was regarded by the Princess of Wales as an inspirational example of true human love and kindness. Diana visited Mother Theresa several times; they served as sources of strength and encouragement to each other in their shared devotion towards improving the lives of the less fortunate around the world. To see these two sincere, courageous women “hand in hand” is a comforting image of hope for all people.

For his painting “Hand in Hand,” Dr. Chen selected the image of Diana’s visit to Mother Theresa in front of a nursing home in the Bronx, New York City in 1996. For the background, Chen selected Gauguin’s powerful “Yellow Christ” (1889) and Rouault’s “Fin d’ Autumne No. 3” (1948-52). Chen treated the entire background a la Rouault’s religious atmosphere and touches. Under the twilight of a red sunset, the open arms of Jesus Christ welcome the two magnificent women, as they wave farewell to the world they cared for so much-as they enter their new lives.

– T. F. and Julie Chen