Who painted Shiva and Nandi?

Shiva and Nandi was painted by Unknown in 1760.

Where can I see Shiva and Nandi?

Shiva and Nandi is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Shiva and Nandi?

Shiva and Nandi is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Shiva and Nandi

Unknown , 1760

Shiva and Nandi is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1760, this work is an opaque watercolor and gold painting on paper that portrays a red, elephant‑headed deity seated upon a throne‑like platform.

Created in 1760, this work is an opaque watercolor and gold painting on paper that portrays a red, elephant‑headed deity seated upon a throne‑like platform. The figure holds a pink flower in one hand and a small, unidentified object in the other, while a tiny mouse rests at its feet. The composition is framed by a green field edged with orange borders, and the deity is crowned and dressed in richly patterned attire.

Subject & Meaning

The elephant‑headed figure draws from Hindu iconography, where such a form is associated with divine narratives. The presence of the mouse, a creature often linked to the god Ganesha, may signify humility or the significance of seemingly minor elements within the larger mythic context.

Technique & Style

Executed with opaque watercolor combined with gold leaf, the painting achieves a luminous surface that highlights the figure’s vibrant red hue and intricate costume patterns. The use of gold accents emphasizes the deity’s regal status, while the flat, decorative background reflects stylistic conventions of Indian court painting of the period.

History & Provenance

Originally part of the Department of Engraving, Illustration & Design, the work entered the museum’s collection under accession number RP 57/68. Its transfer to the current holdings reflects a reclassification that aligns the piece with other painted works rather than printed or illustrated materials.

Context

The piece belongs to a broader tradition of 18th‑century Indian devotional art, where deities were rendered in vivid colors and precious materials for both worship and display. Such paintings were often commissioned for private chapels or elite patrons, serving both religious and aesthetic functions.