​​Appliqué angel wings playfully frame this vintage depiction of a young woman in a red sari feeding deer. Childlike illustrations frame the top of the image, while rings of golden embroidery floss lend a mystical, holographic character to the woman in the picture. The woman’s red sari suggests a reference to the Goddess Durga, who imparts inner strength to women. Common within South Asian folk painting traditions, the subject of a woman feeding deer conveys the gentility and high nature of someone dedicated to doing no harm. The materials and imagery in this work, along with the title Suchitra Mattai has given to it—freedom fighter—communicates with good humor the artist’s efforts to rise above the myths of the past; to maintain innocence; to bring history into harmony with the present and future; to fight for the personal freedom promised by feminine creativity, high mindedness and innocent spirits.