19th Century India Orissa Jagannath Vishnu Paintings Pair Set of Two Natural Pigments

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A set of 2 Antique traditional Jatripatti or paintings for pilgrims, of Jagannath, Lord of the Universe, Lord Vishnu

The … Read more A set of 2 Antique traditional Jatripatti or paintings for pilgrims, of Jagannath, Lord of the Universe, Lord Vishnu

The image is inspired by the statues found in the inner sanctum of the Jagannath temple in Puri, Orissa, Eastern India.

Vegetable pigments, Gouache with gesso on cloth.

Each size: 14'' x 12''

Although overtly religious, it does not simply express a set of religious ideas or values and is much more than a merely visual art to be looked at and appreciated.

* The celebrated Jagannatha temple at Puri in Orissa was built in the 1100s and is the centre of the cult of the deity Jagannatha, the Lord of the World. These paintings show the principle deity of this famed temple, their startling, semi-anthropomorphic forms suggesting that they were probably folk or tribal deities eventually incorporated into the pantheon of orthodox Hinduism. While their forms are solid and heavy, the artists' linework is sinuous and rhythmic, revealing an interest in pattern and decorative treatment. Also included are the various shrines, gates and tanks enclosed within that sacred monument, and scenes from the Ramayana. It is likely that a painting such as this would have been produced as a souvenir for pilgrims to the temple, Jatripatti are now disappearing from the market. See less