Artwork

Parvati and Ganesha

Parvati and Ganesha, by Unknown, paint, 1890
Parvati and Ganesha, by Unknown, paint, 1890

Parvati and Ganesha is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work presents a seated female figure on an ornate throne, cradling an infant in her lap.

About this work

Overview

The work presents a seated female figure on an ornate throne, cradling an infant in her lap. Executed in watercolor combined with tin alloy on cardboard, the composition balances the adult’s solemn gaze with the child’s tranquil expression, set against a richly colored backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The woman is identified as the Hindu goddess Parvati, while the infant is her son, Ganesha. Their juxtaposition emphasizes maternal devotion and the divine lineage within Hindu mythology, highlighting themes of protection and the nurturing aspect of the goddess.

Technique & Style

The artist employs watercolor washes to achieve luminous skin tones and fabric textures, while tin alloy accents add subtle metallic highlights. The palette—purples, yellows, reds, blues—creates a vivid visual contrast, recalling the loose brushwork and color emphasis characteristic of late‑19th‑century Impressionist practices.

History & Provenance

Created as a painted work on cardboard, the piece’s origin and ownership trail are not documented in the source material. No specific exhibition history or collector information is provided.

Context

Depicting deities from the Hindu pantheon, the painting aligns with a broader tradition of religious iconography adapted to modern media. Its stylistic nod to Impressionism situates it within a cross‑cultural dialogue between Eastern subject matter and Western painting techniques.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known