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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2007.267
Title
Shiva and His Family
Classification
Drawings
Work Type
drawing
Date
18th-19th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Himachal Pradesh, Kangra
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/323604

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink, opaque watercolor, and watercolor on paper
Dimensions
22.86 x 17.15 cm (9 x 6 3/4 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mary Katherine B. Jones
Accession Year
2007
Object Number
2007.267
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
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.

Publication History

  • Stages of Depiction: Indian Drawings: 17th-19th Centuries, auct. cat., Hurst Gallery (Cambridge, 2006), pp 51, cat. 38

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or 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