Artwork
Varaha or Boar avatar of Vishnu
Varaha or Boar avatar of Vishnu is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist William Simpson. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour depicts Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu, lifting the earth goddess Prithvi, based on a sculpture located in the 'Ravan ki Khai' cave at Ellora, India.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork represents a Hindu mythological scene where Varaha, a half-man and half-boar incarnation of the deity Vishnu, rescues the earth goddess Prithvi, symbolizing salvation and the restoration of cosmic order.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece exemplifies Simpson's romantic and highly coloured interpretation of Indian subjects, developed from rapid pencil sketches made on location.
History & Provenance
Created in London (c. 1862) from sketches made during Simpson's 1859-1861 Indian tour, commissioned by Day and Sons following his work in the Crimean War and the Indian Revolt of 1857.
Context
Part of Simpson's body of work documenting Indian landscapes and architecture post-1857 Revolt, reflecting British artistic engagement with Indian subjects during the colonial era.
Artist & collection
