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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1971.128
People
Unknown Artist
Title
Narayana Enthroned with Lakshmi and Sarasvati
Other Titles
Title: Vishnu Enthroned
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
c. 1830
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Himachal Pradesh, Kangra
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216266

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper; Pahari Style, Kangra School
Dimensions
sight: 23 x 15.8 cm (9 1/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • inscription: Language: Hindi
    Script: Devanagari
    Lakumi
    Om namo Narayana
    Sarasvati
    Lakshmi
    I bow to Narayana
    Sarasvati

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of John Kenneth Galbraith
Accession Year
1971
Object Number
1971.128
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
In this painting, Narayana, who is considered the absolute supreme deity in Hinduism, is enthroned. In Vaishnavism, a sect that reveres the Hindu god Vishnu as Narayana. Here, Narayana is depicted as Vishnu, one of the members of the Hindu Trimurti (Trinity), as conveyed by the accoutrements he bears: a lotus, a mace, a conch shell, and Sudarshana Chakra, which he holds against his lap and is partially obscured by the throne. Sudarshana Chakra is Vishnu’s iconic, spinning, disc-like weapon. Based on the orientation of the inscription and the figures, the female figures attending to Narayana can be identified. The first word is “Lakumi” or “Lakshmi”, thus, at his feet is Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, who has just fastened an anklet onto Narayana. Behind the throne and holding up a fly whisk is Sarasvati, the goddess of knowledge, the arts, and music. Pahari Style, Kangra School.

Publication History

  • Stuart Cary Welch and Milo Cleveland Beach, Gods, Thrones, and Peacocks Northern Indian Painting from Two Traditions, exh. cat., Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (New York, NY, 1965), page 109/figure 77

Exhibition History

  • Ambassador's Choice: The Galbraith Collection of Indian Painting, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 02/15/1986 - 04/06/1986
  • Rasika, the Discerning Connoisseur: Indian Paintings from the John Kenneth Galbraith Collection, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 01/31/1998 - 04/05/1998
  • Women in South Asian Art, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 08/26/2017 - 01/07/2018

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu