Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
1770
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1770
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva is a 1770 paint by Unknown, a Rococo painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows three Hindu deities together. They are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, each with their consort. The deities have distinct roles: Brahma creates, Vishnu preserves, and Shiva destroys, which is an interesting balance of power. This balance is shown through the deities' poses and the objects they hold. You can learn more about this style of painting at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The painting depicts Brahma with his consort Saraswati, Vishnu with Lakshmi, and Shiva with Parvati, all seated on lotuses, representing creation, preservation, and destruction respectively. Brahma, shown with four heads, holds the Vedas, while Vishnu appears blue and Shiva is paired with his wife. The work was likely created in northwest India around 1770, possibly for a local nobleman or ruler. Rendered in opaque watercolour on paper, it reflects traditional Indian iconography and symbolism.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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