Artwork
Shiva, Ganesh and Kartikeya
Shiva, Ganesh and Kartikeya is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1810 painting, executed in opaque watercolour and gold on paper, portrays a familial scene from Hindu mythology, featuring Shiva, his consort Parvati, and their sons Ganesh and Kartikeya, set amidst a burning ground.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts Kartikeya, seated on Parvati’s lap, offering severed heads to Shiva, who, aided by Ganesh, arranges them into a necklace, symbolizing a specific mythological narrative within Hindu tradition.
Technique & Style
Characterized by vibrant colors and intricate patterns, the painting showcases detailed renderings, notably in Parvati’s skirt and Shiva’s white robe, blending mythological themes with ornate visual elements.
History & Provenance
Acquired by the museum in 1911 from Dr. A. K. Coomaraswamy’s Highgate residence in North London, as documented in the museum’s provenance records.
Context
The composition juxtaposes a serene family interaction with the backdrop of a burning ground, complete with a river, fire, and assorted figures, reflecting the complex interplay of life, death, and divine presence in Hindu mythology.
Artist & collection
