Who painted Durga and Mahishasura?

Durga and Mahishasura was painted by Unknown in 1885.

Where can I see Durga and Mahishasura?

Durga and Mahishasura is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Durga and Mahishasura?

Durga and Mahishasura is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Durga and Mahishasura

Unknown , 1885

Durga and Mahishasura is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1885 painting, executed in opaque watercolor on paper, depicts a central figure from Hindu mythology.

About this work

Overview

This 1885 painting, executed in opaque watercolor on paper, depicts a central figure from Hindu mythology. The work belongs to the Kalighat tradition, a style that emerged in nineteenth-century Bengal, characterized by bold outlines, vibrant colors, and a direct, expressive approach to religious and narrative subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays the goddess Durga in the act of vanquishing the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Durga, represented with four arms, wields weapons while mounted on a lion, symbolizing divine power over chaos. Her serene expression contrasts with the violent confrontation, emphasizing the triumph of cosmic order over malevolence.

Technique & Style

The artist employed opaque watercolors to achieve saturated hues—deep reds, yellows, and greens—applied within strong, unmodulated outlines. The composition is frontal and symmetrical, with minimal background detail, focusing attention on the figures’ dynamic interaction. This approach reflects the Kalighat idiom’s emphasis on clarity and immediacy.

History & Provenance

The painting entered a British collection in 1894 through Miss M. Steele, whose mother, a Sanskrit scholar at Cambridge, had inherited it. Steele suggested the work may have been acquired earlier by her grandmother, who lived in India. The chain of ownership points to colonial-era interest in South Asian devotional art.

Context

Kalighat paintings originated near the Kali Temple in Calcutta, catering to pilgrims and urban patrons. These works often reinterpreted religious narratives in a simplified, accessible format. By the late nineteenth century, such paintings circulated beyond India, reflecting broader cultural exchanges during British colonial rule.