Who painted Shiva intercedes for King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha?

Shiva intercedes for King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha was painted by Unknown in 1840.

Where can I see Shiva intercedes for King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha?

Shiva intercedes for King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Shiva intercedes for King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha?

Shiva intercedes for King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha is associated with Pahari Painting.

Artwork

Shiva intercedes for King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha

Unknown , 1840

Shiva intercedes for King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha is an unspecified painting by the Pahari Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work titled Shiva Intercedes for King Bana depicts a dynamic combat tableau rendered in vivid hues and decisive line work.

Accession no.: 1934.218
Credit line: Gift of Mrs. Charles Eisenman

About this work

Overview

On the right, a blue‑and‑gold armored fighter raises his sword amid a spray of arrows, all set against a rocky hillside backdrop.

The work titled Shiva Intercedes for King Bana depicts a dynamic combat tableau rendered in vivid hues and decisive line work. Central to the scene is a serene, white‑clad figure wielding a spear, confronting a green monster, while a blue‑skinned warrior with sword and shield stands over a fallen combatant on the left. On the right, a blue‑and‑gold armored fighter raises his sword amid a spray of arrows, all set against a rocky hillside backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates a moment from the Usha‑Aniruddha narrative, wherein the deity Shiva intervenes on behalf of the defeated king Bana. The calm demeanor of the spear‑bearing figure suggests divine mediation, contrasting with the surrounding chaos of battle and emphasizing the theme of divine protection amidst human conflict.

Technique & Style

Executed with bold outlines and a saturated palette, the painting employs a stylized realism characteristic of late traditional Indian court art. The use of flat areas of color, combined with sharp delineation of figures, creates a clear visual hierarchy that guides the viewer’s eye across the action without obscuring individual gestures.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from a manuscript illustrating the Usha‑Aniruddha episode, though specific details of its creation, such as the artist, workshop, or date, remain undocumented. It has been preserved within a collection of narrative paintings that were likely commissioned for devotional or instructional purposes.

Context

Within the broader corpus of Hindu mythological art, scenes of divine intercession serve to reinforce theological concepts of deity involvement in mortal affairs. This work aligns with similar visual traditions that portray gods as active participants in epic battles, reinforcing moral and religious instruction through vivid storytelling.