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Lot Essay
The first work depicts the blissful union of Radha and Krishna. The lovers are depicted arm in arm under a tree and the scene stems from the climactic tableau formed at the end of the rasalila and other such performances relating to Krishna worship.
The second work depicts the fierce goddess Kali astride Shiva. The image is symbolic of the energy that Shiva needs in order to exert his power in the earthly realm; the work represents the pairing of Shiva and Shakti or God and Goddess. Here, Kali's foot instills the Lord with new life.
The third work shows the goddess Durga as Annapurna, also known as 'the giver of food', depicted on a throne donating food to Shiva, who can be seen extending both hands to receive food from her.
The composition and iconographic details of the works are influenced by Kalighat paintings, however, greater attention is paid to the landscape surrounding the figures. This attention to perspective and naturalism is a direct influence of Western academic painting, which at the time was becoming increasingly popular in India.
The second work depicts the fierce goddess Kali astride Shiva. The image is symbolic of the energy that Shiva needs in order to exert his power in the earthly realm; the work represents the pairing of Shiva and Shakti or God and Goddess. Here, Kali's foot instills the Lord with new life.
The third work shows the goddess Durga as Annapurna, also known as 'the giver of food', depicted on a throne donating food to Shiva, who can be seen extending both hands to receive food from her.
The composition and iconographic details of the works are influenced by Kalighat paintings, however, greater attention is paid to the landscape surrounding the figures. This attention to perspective and naturalism is a direct influence of Western academic painting, which at the time was becoming increasingly popular in India.