Artwork
Devi Enshrined and Holding the Tongue of a Demon
Devi Enshrined and Holding the Tongue of a Demon is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a four‑armed, three‑eyed deity standing in a shadowy forest, crowned with a crescent moon.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a four‑armed, three‑eyed deity standing in a shadowy forest, crowned with a crescent moon. Beside her, a pale, unclothed male figure is shown with his tongue seized in the goddess’s grasp. The scene combines elements of divine power and subjugation within a natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure represents the Hindu goddess Devi, portrayed in the act of subduing a demon. Her multiple arms and eyes convey omniscience and potency, while the captured tongue symbolizes the silencing of malevolent speech. The inclusion of farming implements suggests a protective role over agriculture and rural communities.
Technique & Style
Rendered in a dense woodland backdrop, the composition relies on stark contrasts between the dark foliage and the luminous skin tones of the figures. The goddess’s accessories—a crescent‑shaped crown, a mace, and agrarian tools—are delineated with fine brushwork that emphasizes their symbolic significance.
History & Provenance
The artist and precise origin of the painting remain unknown. Stylistic analysis points to a regional origin in Rajasthan or its vicinity, reflecting local devotional iconography. No documented ownership trail precedes its current placement in the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
Within Hindu visual traditions, Devi is frequently shown triumphing over demonic forces, embodying the victory of order over chaos. The agricultural implements align the goddess with the protection of crops, a theme common in rural worship practices of north‑western India.
Artist & collection
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