Artwork
A two armed male figure.
A two armed male figure. is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting portrays a seated male figure with distinctive attributes, blending religious and regal elements.
About this work
Overview
This painting portrays a seated male figure with distinctive attributes, blending religious and regal elements. Initial descriptions suggest a Vaishnavite saint, yet the artwork actually depicts a four-armed figure, indicating a potential misinterpretation or evolution in identification.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a four-armed male figure, possibly reinterpreted from an initial Vaishnavite saint identification. He wears vibrant attire and jewelry, holding a golden snake-shaped staff. The four arms and staff may symbolize divine or royal authority, contrasting with the initial saintly interpretation.
Technique & Style
Characterized by bold colors and intricate designs, the painting reflects a style prevalent during a period favoring vivid and detailed artwork. The use of pink skin tone, golden accents (like the snake staff), and patterned throne underscores this aesthetic.
History & Provenance
The painting includes an inscription referencing *Vadom*, a location or term whose significance in this context remains unclear. Further provenance details are not provided, leaving the artwork's historical trajectory partially obscured.
Context
While direct contextual references are scarce, the style aligns with artistic trends that valued opulence and intricate design, suggesting a creation period that emphasized visual richness.
Legacy
The artwork's legacy is not extensively detailed, though its style recommends comparison with similar pieces, potentially housed in collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum, known for their holdings of similarly styled South Asian art.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
Shiva in his local form of Tyagarajaswamy (Somaskanda) worshipped at Tiruvarur
Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, speech and music
Shiva holding a sword, mace and shield.
The goddess Lakshmi, consort of Vishnu.
The goddess Rajamatangi
Shiva and Parvati seated on a canopied throne.
Nataraja (Shiva as lord of the dance)
Harihara attended by Parvati and Lakshmi
Lakshmi
Krishna and Yasoda with Balarama.
Shiva in his form as Bichandi or Bhikshatana
Parasurama Holding an axe and a Lotus Bud