CHAMBA, NORTH INDIA, CIRCA 1830-40

This miniature shows Vishnu and Lakshami standing before arched alcoves, Vishnu with four arms holding the mace, lotus, conch shell and wheel, flanked by his personal attributes Gadadhari and Chakrapurusha. Garuda is kneeling before him wearing a pink dhoti, elaborate jewellery and distinctive crown. Lakshmi is holding a large lotus flower.

Inscribed on the top of the painting in Hindi is Shri Dhayan Gadha-dhar ji Dha ('Image of Vishnu, the holder of the mace').