Artwork
Shiva and Parvati
Shiva and Parvati is a paint painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Dhirendranath Brahma. It dates from 1950 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This painting shows the Hindu god Shiva embracing his spouse, the goddess Parvati.
This painting shows the Hindu god Shiva embracing his spouse, the goddess Parvati. She holds out an offering bowl to him. You can see bold lines and colors used to draw the two figures. The scene is known as 'Gajan Dance'.
The artist used a mix of old and folk art styles to create this work. It reminds us of Kalighat paintings from the 19th century.
This style is similar to what you'd see if you looked up the technique of impasto.
Overview
This watercolour painting depicts Shiva and Parvati in an intimate scene, known as 'Gajan Dance'. The artist, Dhirendranath Brahma, combines traditional and folk art elements to create the work.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows the Hindu god Shiva embracing his spouse, Parvati, who offers him a bowl. The scene represents a moment of tender interaction between the divine couple.
Technique & Style
Brahma's use of bold lines and colours, along with black and white outlines, recalls the Kalighat painting style of 19th-century Bengal. The work blends miniature traditions with Bengali folk art, characteristic of the Neo-Bengal art movement.
History & Provenance
Dhirendranath Brahma created this painting while teaching at the Government College of Art in Calcutta, where he headed the Painting department. He was trained at the Government School of Art, Calcutta, and later worked under Nandalal Bose at Santiniketan.
Context
Brahma's work is rooted in the Neo-Bengal art tradition, which drew on local folk art and historical styles. As a prominent artist and educator, he influenced a generation of painters, including his student Amal Ghosh.
Artist & collection
Artist
Dhirendranath Brahma painted scenes from Hindu mythology around the middle of the last century.
