Artwork
Ganesha-Janani (Mother of Ganesh)
Ganesha-Janani (Mother of Ganesh) is an unspecified painting by the Bengal School artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Ganesha-Janani is a painting depicting the goddess Parvati holding her infant son Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity.
- Accession no.
- 2003.169
About this work
Overview
Ganesha-Janani is a painting depicting the goddess Parvati holding her infant son Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity. The work is characteristic of the Kalighat style, known for its bold and colorful representations.
Subject & Meaning
The scene illustrates a pivotal myth: Parvati creates Ganesh from her bodily dirt to guard her while she bathes. When Shiva, unaware that Ganesh is his son, beheads him, Parvati demands his restoration. The image captures a tender moment between mother and child, highlighting Ganesh's childlike nature.
Technique & Style
The painting features flat, bright forms against a plain red background, with Parvati and Ganesh adorned in simple gold jewelry. The style is marked by a lack of shading, prioritizing narrative clarity over realism. The bold, colorful aesthetic is typical of Kalighat art, produced for pilgrims in 19th-century Kolkata.
Artist & collection
