Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a distemper painting. It dates from 1749 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled painting, executed in distemper on wood, originated in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley during the 1700s. It depicts a powerful eight-armed goddess, poised atop a lion, her expression a blend of serenity and intensity. The artwork's vibrant palette and distinct, flattened forms create a visually striking composition, characteristic of the region's artistic traditions from that period.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a multi-armed goddess, an embodiment of divine power, identified as Durga. She holds various weapons, symbolizing her role as a protector and vanquisher of evil. Beneath the lion's paws, a small buffalo demon lies subdued, representing the defeat of malevolent forces. This imagery conveys themes of triumph over adversity and the goddess's formidable strength.
Technique & Style
The artist utilized distemper, a painting method involving pigments mixed with an adhesive binder, applied to a wooden surface. This technique was prevalent in the Kathmandu Valley during the 18th century. The painting's aesthetic is defined by its vivid colors and the use of flat, two-dimensional shapes, which contribute to a graphic quality reminiscent of a cut-out design.
Artist & collection
