Who painted Siva-puja?

Siva-puja was painted by Abanindranath Tagore in 1900.

Where can I see Siva-puja?

Siva-puja is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Siva-puja?

Siva-puja is associated with Bengal School.

Can I buy a print of Siva-puja?

Museum-quality prints of Siva-puja are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Siva-puja

Abanindranath Tagore , 1900

Siva-puja is a paint painting by the Bengal School artist Abanindranath Tagore. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Siva-puja is a painting by Abanindranath Tagore, a key figure in the Bengal School of Art, which sought to revitalize Indian artistic traditions in response to British colonial influence. The work depicts a serene scene of a young woman performing a ritual worship of the Hindu god Shiva.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a woman seated on an animal skin, dressed in a pale green and white sari, engaged in 'Shiva-Puja'. She holds a tambura with her right hand and salutes a linga (symbolizing Shiva) adorned with flowers with her left. The scene may allude to Ragini Bhairavi, associated with a dawn raga played in September-October.

Technique & Style

Tagore blends traditional Indian elements with modern sensibilities. The painting features soft lines and flat colors reminiscent of Mughal miniatures, combined with a contemplative mood characteristic of his style, somewhat akin to the subtle blending of sfumato.

History & Provenance

Created by Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951), the painting reflects the Bengal School's mission to establish a distinctly Indian art form, distinct from Western influences prevalent under the British Raj. Its provenance details are not specified here.

Context

Part of a broader movement to reclaim and modernize indigenous Indian art traditions, Siva-puja stands as an example of the Bengal School's impact on both British and international art institutions, contributing to the recognition of a national Indian style.

Legacy

As a seminal work of the Bengal School, Siva-puja has influenced the development of Indian art, embodying the school's successful blend of traditional themes with innovative, yet distinctly Indian, aesthetic approaches.