Artwork
Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha
Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting depicts a serene scene featuring the Hindu deities Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha.
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts a serene scene featuring the Hindu deities Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha. Created using opaque watercolour and tin alloy on paper, it showcases a quiet family moment among the gods.
Subject & Meaning
The figures are rendered with distinct attributes: Shiva wears a tiger-skin loincloth, Parvati has yellow-toned skin, and Ganesha is shown with an elephant head. Their clothing and jewelry provide insight into the cultural context of the artwork.
Technique & Style
Characteristic of Kalighat painting from the 1830s, the work features vivid colours, simplified forms, and fluid brushwork. The style reflects the artistic innovations of the time, influenced by local mythology and societal changes.
Context
Produced in Calcutta during the 1830s, this painting is a product of the cultural and artistic developments under British colonial rule. The Kalighat style emerged as a response to local mythology and the changing societal landscape.
Artist & collection
