Who painted Parvati and Shiva?

Parvati and Shiva was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Parvati and Shiva?

Parvati and Shiva is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Parvati and Shiva?

Parvati and Shiva is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Parvati and Shiva

Unknown , 1890

Parvati and Shiva 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.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1890, this watercolor and tin‑alloy work on paper portrays the Hindu deities Parvati and Shiva. Parvati stands to the left, holding a garland, while Shiva appears beside her, both rendered in the bold, flat colors and strong outlines typical of late‑19th‑century Indian painting.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents the divine couple from Hindu mythology, emphasizing their complementary roles. Parvati’s raised hand suggests a gesture of offering or reverence, while Shiva’s presence, marked by a coiled snake and distinctive headdress, underscores his status as the ascetic god of destruction and renewal.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor with tin‑alloy accents, the piece exemplifies the Kalighat school that flourished in Calcutta. The style is characterized by vivid, saturated hues, simplified anatomical forms, and swift, confident brushstrokes, all outlined in stark black lines that give the figures a graphic clarity.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the museum’s collection through a 1955 donation by M. N. Varvill. Its creation during the British colonial period reflects the Kalighat tradition’s engagement with local mythological themes while subtly responding to the social transformations of the era.