Controversial Painting Depicting Mother Teresa, Other Famous Female Historical Figures Defaced at Trumbull Library

The controversial painting depicting Mother Teresa and other famous female historical figures on display at the Trumbull Library was defaced Wednesday night as a meeting regarding legal issues and concerns about the painting was taking place in the next room, according to the Trumbull Times.

The Times reports that the face of Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, appeared to be the only one damaged.

Police responded to the library after 8 p.m. to interview witnesses, according to the Times.

The painting was recently put back up at the library after it was temporarily taken down in a back and forth controversy.

Everyone from the painting owner, Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst, religious leaders and the ACLU has weighed in on the situation.

Herbst ordered that the painting be taken down after it came to his attention that there was a possible copyright infringement complaint and that the town could be held liable for damages absent a written indemnification agreement. Some questioned whether he was pressured by religious leaders and others who objected to Mother Teresa and Sanger being depicted in the same artwork marching.

The Trumbull Times released an editorial on the topic. Taking a queue from the painting it asked if all those who disagree could put the situation behind them and much like the many different women depicted move on.

Susan Monks wrote in a letter to the editor to Trumbull Times that she wondered if a picture depicting other historical figures such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walking with Adolf Hitler would ever be hung in a public library.

Richard and Jane Resnick, owners of the painting wrote in a letter that it was never intended to offend the religious. He said he believes Mother Teresa would find a compassionate way to make common ground with Sanger.

Read the full report on Wednesday night’s defacing of the painting at the Trumbull Times here.