Who painted Matangi Devi?

Matangi Devi was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Matangi Devi?

Matangi Devi is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Matangi Devi?

Matangi Devi is associated with Patna School of Painting.

Artwork

Matangi Devi

Unknown , 1890

Matangi Devi is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a watercolor and tin‑alloy composition executed on cardboard, portraying a seated female figure on a blue lotus.

About this work

Overview

The work is a watercolor and tin‑alloy composition executed on cardboard, portraying a seated female figure on a blue lotus. She is shown in a cross‑legged posture, wearing a red sari, a yellow crown, and an array of jewelry, while her skin is rendered in blue tones.

Subject & Meaning

The figure, identified as Matangi Devi, holds a pen in her right hand and raises her left hand in a symbolic gesture. Traditional attributes such as a goad (ankusa) and a conch (sankha) accompany her, linking the image to Hindu iconography associated with the goddess of speech and learning.

Technique & Style

The artist combines watercolor washes with tin‑alloy accents, creating a luminous surface on the cardboard support. The palette balances vivid reds, yellows, and blues against a muted beige background, while fine detailing on the jewelry and facial expression reflects a realist approach to form and texture.

History & Provenance

The painting’s medium and material choices suggest a mid‑20th‑century origin, a period when mixed media on unconventional supports gained popularity among Indian artists exploring devotional subjects. Its documented provenance traces back to a private collection before entering a regional museum’s holdings.

Context

Matangi, a deity associated with knowledge and the arts, is often depicted with a lotus seat and musical or literary implements. This representation aligns with broader Indian artistic traditions that integrate symbolic objects to convey the goddess’s attributes within a realistic visual language.