Untitled

Unknown

1875–80 · Lithograph, watercolor · Asian Art

Dhumavati is one of the Mahavidyas, a group of ten Tantric goddesses of Hinduism. She represents the fearsome aspect of Devi, the Supreme Goddess. Dhumavati is portrayed as an old widow, and is associated with things considered inauspicious in Hinduism, such as the crow and the charnel grounds. Dhumavati is worshipped as one who reveals ultimate knowledge of the universe, which is beyond the illusory realms of the material world. In this early lithographic print, the image has been drawn in a monochromatic grisaille-type technique, with a limited use of color wash to highlight the golden elements of her carriage and the rice scoop which she holds in her lowered hand. A closer look at her face shows a remarkably skilled use of this technique, employing tonality and density of color to model a beautifully expressive face of an aged women of profound wisdom. Long waves of hair frame her face, and a third eye stares out from her forehead, all-seeing. Crows are her insignia, and are seen perched atop her carriage as well as pulling it.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1875–80

Medium

Lithograph, watercolor

Culture

India, Calcutta

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2020