Artwork
Devi Enshrined and Holding the Tongue of a Demon
Devi Enshrined and Holding the Tongue of a Demon is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a seated figure draped in vivid orange robes, holding a small blue object in one hand.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a seated figure draped in vivid orange robes, holding a small blue object in one hand. A darker-skinned figure stands behind, leaning forward with an upward gaze. The background is populated with trees, birds and a distant crowd, rendered in a palette of reds, blues and golds, and detailed ornamental patterns covering clothing and floor.
Subject & Meaning
The central seated individual appears serene, crowned, and possibly divine, while the standing companion is rendered with a rough, untamed appearance. The blue object, suggested by the title to be a demon’s tongue, introduces a narrative of containment or triumph over a malevolent force, contrasting the calm authority of the enthroned figure with the wildness of the other.
Technique & Style
The painting employs bold, saturated colors and intricate decorative motifs typical of courtly or religious art traditions. Fine brushwork delineates the elaborate textiles and patterned floor, while the composition balances a crowded background with a clear focal pair, using contrast between bright orange and deep shadows to emphasize hierarchy.
History & Provenance
The piece is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, though specific details regarding its creation date, artist or original patron are not provided. Its inclusion in the museum suggests it was acquired through purchase or donation, aligning with the institution’s focus on Asian or devotional paintings.
Context
The visual language—crowded natural settings, ornate attire, and mythic symbolism—places the work within a tradition that blends religious narrative with courtly display, likely reflecting cultural values that emphasize the subjugation of evil through divine or royal authority.
Artist & collection
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Devi Enshrined and Holding the Tongue of a Demon