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Mahadeva in his form as Isana, guardian of the north-east, riding on a white bull

Unknown

1820

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Romanticism Early 19th Century Religious

Dominant colour

Mahadeva in his form as Isana, guardian of the north-east, riding on a white bull is a 1820 paint by Unknown, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1820 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a man riding a white bull. He's wearing a green skirt, a yellow shirt with red and gold designs, and a tall pointed hat. He has jewelry on his arms, neck, and ears. The bull has a red and gold blanket on its back and a gold harness around its head. The man is holding a small yellow bird in his right hand and a cross-shaped object in his left. He's sitting on the bull with his legs crossed. The bull is looking to the left. The painting is a romantic depiction of a religious scene. To learn more about this style, look up the Romanticism movement.

The story of this work

Overview

Mahadeva in his form as Isana, guardian of the north-east, is depicted riding a white bull while dressed in royal garments. He has a fair complexion and four arms, holding a snake-entwined drum, a deer, a red cane, and the reins.

Read the full account in the museum source.