Isabella Lilias Trotter was a
lover of beauty and of God; this was revealed
through her life as an artist, author, and
missionary. Born in 1853 to wealthy parents in
London, her talent for drawing and painting
eventually came to the notice of famed art critic
John Ruskin, who was impressed by her talent.
However, instead of pursuing a career in art, she
felt called to go to Algeria as a missionary.
Having been turned down by a mission society, she
went independently to the country along with two
other single women. Lilias lived in Algeria until
her death there in 1928. More information on her
life can be read here on Wikipedia
and elsewhere on the internet, also in several
books written about her life.
I was introduced to her book
"The Parables of the Cross" in late 2002 through
Angus Gunn - a friend and colleague of T.
Austin-Sparks. The book's message is simple and
yet profound. I wanted to read more so went
searching for other books by Lilias Trotter and
managed to get several of her original books,
including "The Parables of the Cross" complete
with beautiful pictures painted by the author.
Since the books were well past their copyright,
and finding only text versions on the internet,
I scanned and published the messages with their
corresponding pictures here on Unveiling.
Lilias Trotter was gifted in
not only painting beautiful illustrations, but
also illustrating deep spiritual truths
through her words. Many of her writings are
parables and stories that include unique
insights from nature and life around her. As
you see and appreciate these pictures here,
may your eyes also see and appreciate what she
saw spiritually!
