19th C Indian Thanjavur Tanjore Painting Gold Gilt Murugan on His Peacock Antique Multimedia Collage South India

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Indian school, Thanjavur region: 'Murugan on his peacock', 19th C.
Measurements: 16.5 x 12.5 inch
Natural pigments, 24k gold foil … Read more Indian school, Thanjavur region: 'Murugan on his peacock', 19th C.
Measurements: 16.5 x 12.5 inch
Natural pigments, 24k gold foil on cloth on wood board.
In original unframed condition
Saturated with rich colors and gold foil this classic Tanjore painting from Tanjavur (Tanjore) features the second son of Lord Shiva, Lord Muruga or Subrahmanya or Kartekeya seated on his vahana or Mount, a peacock, flanked by his consorts Valli and Devasena.
Each figure has a well rounded body, almond shaped eyes, elaborate jewelery and traditionally draped silk clothes, depicted with signature auspicious marks on the forehead, holding various symbolic accessories in each of their hands.

This formal composition of the popular deity is housed in an enclosure created by means of an arch adorned with elaborately decorated border and edged in peacock feathers.

A breathtakingly beautiful painting, the impact in a darkened room is that of a glowing presence.
Traditional Tanjore paintings are possessed as heirlooms.

*Tanjore painting is a major form of classical South Indian painting from the town of Thanjavur (anglicized as Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu, India. The art form dates back to about 1600 AD, a period when the Nayakas of Thanjavur encouraged art—chiefly, classical dance and music—as well as literature, both in Telugu and Tamil.

Tanjore paintings are known for their surface richness, vivid colors, compact composition and especially the glittering foils used to give the paintings their rich look . Essentially serving as devotional icons, the subjects of most paintings are Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints.
Episodes from Hindu tradition are drawn upon as elaborations of the main figure or figures placed in the central section of the picture. Tanjore paintings are panel paintings done on solid wood planks.
In modern times, these paintings have become souvenirs of festive occasions in South India, pieces to decorate walls, and collectors' items for art lovers See less