Artwork
Gajendra Moksha: The Salvation of the King of the Elephants
Gajendra Moksha: The Salvation of the King of the Elephants is an unspecified painting by the Indian Miniature artist Unknown. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1933.452
- Credit line
- Edward L. Whittemore Fund
About this work
Overview
Gajendra Moksha: The Salvation of the King of the Elephants is a painting depicting a dramatic scene from Hindu mythology. The composition features a blue-skinned, crowned figure dancing on a red and black elephant in a river, surrounded by a winged attendant and a serene background of a temple and lush greenery.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a mythological narrative where Gajendra, the king of the elephants, is saved by the god Vishnu (implied by the blue-skinned figure, though not explicitly confirmed in the provided details). The winged figure, possibly a deva or Vishnu's emanation, holds a red object, symbolizing divine intervention.
Technique & Style
The use of vibrant colors (blue, red, black, and yellow) and the depiction of dynamic movement (raised arm, wings in motion) suggest influences of expressive and emotionally charged artistic tendencies, potentially aligning with elements of Romanticism in its emphasis on drama and the sublime.
History & Provenance
Specific historical and provenance details about the painting (date, artist, ownership history) are not provided in the given information.
Context
This painting can be contextualized within Hindu mythological art, exploring themes of divine salvation. Comparing it with Romanticism (as suggested) might highlight similarities in capturing intense emotional and natural scenes, though the painting's style seems more rooted in traditional Indian art forms.
Legacy
The legacy of the painting, in terms of its impact on art history or its current cultural significance, is not detailed in the provided facts.
Artist & collection
Untitled
Krishna Exacts a Toll from the Milkmaids: Dana-Lila, from a Bhagavata Purana
Rama and Ravana
Vishnu as Matsya
Krishna Playing the Flute and other Episodes from the Bhagavata Purana
Krishna Exacts a Toll from the Milkmaids: Dana-Lila, from a Bhagavata Purana
Sita asks Rama to fetch the golden deer, from the “Shangri” Ramayana
Scenes from Boyhood of Krishna
Krishna Playing the Flute and other Episodes from the Bhagavata Purana
Untitled