Shiva rescuing the young Markandeya from the noose of Yama, the god of death.
1820
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1820
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Shiva rescuing the young Markandeya from the noose of Yama, the god of death. is a 1820 paint by Unknown, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a dramatic scene with three figures. At the center, a blue-skinned god sits on a decorated throne, holding a small child in his lap. Above him floats a golden figure with multiple arms, holding a staff and a noose. To the right, a dark rider on a horse pulls the noose, while a bare-chested man on the left reaches toward the child. The bright colors and bold outlines create a lively, almost busy look. The throne and clothing are packed with tiny patterns, making everything stand out. Next, look up Romanticism to see how this style used emotion and drama in art.
The painting depicts Shiva rescuing the young Markandeya from Yama, the god of death. Markandeya, a 16-year-old, clings to the lingam in a Shiva temple at Tirukkadavur, while Yama, mounted on a black bull, throws a noose around the lingam and the boy. Shiva, appearing with four arms, holds a deer and a drum, and thrusts his trident at Yama. The lingam symbolizes life, from which Shiva emerges as the Conqueror of Death (Kalarimurti).
Read the full account in the museum source.
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