Artwork

Purnavasi

Purnavasi, by Unknown, paint, 1890
Purnavasi, by Unknown, paint, 1890

Purnavasi 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

Purnavasi is a mixed-media painting on cardboard, combining watercolour and tin alloy. It depicts a four-armed female figure, identified with the full moon, Purnavasi, holding symbolic objects.

Subject & Meaning

The four-armed figure embodies Purnavasi, associated with the full moon. Her attributes—a water vessel, tray, and goad—convey symbolic meanings, though specific interpretations are not detailed in available information.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour and tin alloy on cardboard, the painting features flat colors, minimal shading, and bold outlines, characteristic of the Kalighat style, popular in India during this period.

History & Provenance

The artwork was showcased in the 1971 *Tantra* exhibition at London's Hayward Gallery, curated by Philip S. Rawson and organized by the Arts Council of Great Britain. Provenance details beyond this exhibition are not provided.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known