18th-19th century
The drawing depicts the Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction; Parvati, his wife; Ganesh, his elephant-headed son; Kartikeya, his son; and Nandi the bull, his vehicle (vahana). In his hands, Shiva holds Ganesh and Kartrikeya, who is shown here with six heads. Below him, Parvati bends forward to pour water for Nandi. The bull archs his neck towards her, creating a bold, round silhouette that frames the Shiva and his family. Gray ink washes are used to block out areas of color on Nandi's head and neck and on Shiva's animal skin garments. The outlines of a trident and drum, attributes of Shiva, are visible through white paint corrections, above the head of the standing god. Pahari Style, Kangra School.
22.86 x 17.15 cm (9 x 6 3/4 in.)
Black ink on white paper
20th centuryBrazilianWatercolor and white gouache over graphite on off-white wove paper
19th centuryAmericanBlack and metallic marker on paper
20th centuryGermanColored and metallic marker on paper
Crayon on paper
20th centuryAmericanBlack ink and gray and brown wash over traces of black chalk on cream antique laid paper, framing lines in black chalk and graphite
17th centuryFrenchBlack marker on paper
20th centuryGermanGraphite on off-white wove paper
19th centuryAmericanBlack marker on paper
20th centuryGermanGraphite on paper
20th centuryGermanGraphite with orange and gray washes on paper
20th centuryGermanBlack crayon on paper
20th centuryGerman