Artwork
Shiva and Parvati
Shiva and Parvati is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1865 opaque watercolour and tin alloy on paper painting depicts the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati seated together on a throne, distinguished by their iconic attire and accessories.
Subject & Meaning
Shiva wears a tiger skin dhoti and turban encircled by cobras, symbolizing his association with power and asceticism. Parvati, in a red sari with silver borders, green choli, and golden crown, embodies marital bliss and divine femininity. Their seated posture conveys harmony and unity.
Technique & Style
Characterized by bright colors and simple forms, the painting aligns with the Kalighat style, a 19th-century Indian folk art tradition known for bold, expressive depictions of mythological themes.
History & Provenance
The work was donated to the University Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in Cambridge by Mrs. Western of Langrookside, Havant, Hampshire, though its history prior to donation remains unspecified.
Context
Created during the British colonial era, this piece reflects the enduring influence of indigenous artistic traditions amidst external cultural impacts, catering to both local devotion and foreign curiosity.
Legacy
As a Kalighat-style piece, it contributes to the understanding and appreciation of 19th-century Indian folk art, highlighting the synthesis of religious narrative and aesthetic simplicity.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
