Who painted Durga and Mahishasura?

Durga and Mahishasura was painted by Unknown in 1880.

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 , 1880

Durga and Mahishasura is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting depicts a scene from Hindu mythology, rendered in opaque watercolour on paper.

About this work

Overview

This painting depicts a scene from Hindu mythology, rendered in opaque watercolour on paper. It is one of several artworks compiled in an album by J. Lockwood Kipling.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork shows Durga, a four-armed warrior goddess, battling Mahishasura, a buffalo-demon with feline features. Durga is depicted in bright red, wearing a radiant yellow headpiece and holding various objects, while the demon appears frightened.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by bold outlines, flat colors, and a lack of shading, giving it a graphic quality. The style is reminiscent of *kalighat* paintings, a tradition associated with artists from Kolkata.

History & Provenance

The painting was part of an album assembled by J. Lockwood Kipling between 1865 and 1893, containing artworks sourced from bazaars and fairs in Upper India and Bengal. The album was donated to the museum by Rudyard Kipling in 1917.