DrawingsIndian18th century

Sketches of an Animal Combat (above) and Durga Mounted and Accompanied by Attendants (below)

18th century

Description

The top of the page depicts a lion and a makara, a crocodile-like creature of Hindu mythology, locked in combat among tall blades of grass. At the bottom is the Hindu goddess Durga, astride a fanciful, lion-like creature. She wears a crown topped with a large lotus blossom and wields a shield, mace, bow, and a khanda, a type of sword. Flames of piety flicker behind her head. The creature she is mounted on has a long snout, a long tail that curves upward, and large lion-like paws. Durga and her mount are flanked by two attendants. The one on the left follows behind, carrying a tray of delicacies. The one on the right trails off the edge of the paper. Rajput Style, Kota School.

Classification

Drawings

Medium

Ink on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School

Culture

Indian

Century

18th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

15.2 x 11.5 cm (6 x 4 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1969 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1969.