Who painted Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant?

Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant?

Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant?

Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant is associated with Patna School of Painting.

Artwork

Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant

Unknown , 1890

Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant is an unspecified painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This painting comes from Kalighat, a neighborhood in Kolkata where artists made cheap, colorful images for everyday buyers.

A man in a white robe sits on a decorated elephant, holding a parasol. The elephant’s trunk curls up, and the scene is framed by a simple red border.

This painting comes from Kalighat, a neighborhood in Kolkata where artists made cheap, colorful images for everyday buyers. It shows the Mahant, a powerful temple priest linked to a real scandal in 1873—when a priest’s affair led to a murder. The bold lines and flat colors were meant to grab attention fast.

Look up more under the subject kalighat.

Overview

This painting, 'Mahant of Tarakeshwar Rides on an Elephant', is a Kalighat image depicting a powerful temple priest on an elephant. It relates to a scandalous event in 1873 involving an affair and a murder.

Subject & Meaning

The image shows the Mahant, or head priest, associated with the Tarakeshwar Shiva temple, astride an elephant, symbolizing his status and wealth. The depiction is linked to the Tarakeshwar murder case, a public scandal in Calcutta.

Technique & Style

The painting features bold lines, flat colors, and a simple red border, characteristic of Kalighat art. The style was designed to capture the viewer's attention quickly.

Context

Kalighat paintings were produced in the Kalighat neighborhood of Kolkata for a general audience. They were known for being affordable and colorful, often addressing contemporary issues and scandals.

History & Provenance

The painting is connected to the Tarakeshwar murder case of 1873, which inspired several Bengali plays and Kalighat images. The event involved an affair between a priest and a young wife, leading to a murder and subsequent trial.