Untitled

Unknown

Undated, ca.1895–99 · Chromolithographic print on paper · Asian Art

Vishnu is accompanied by his wives Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, who ride his celestial mount, the mythical man-bird Garuda, here depicted in full avian form. Vishnu is portrayed as “The Blue Lord,” richly garlanded in pearls and flowers, while his wives hold yak-hair fly whisks to fan their lord. All wear gold and jewel-encrusted crowns. Garuda has in his talons a cobra, the eagle’s mortal enemy, here symbolizing victory over nature spirits. This is a superb example of a chromolithographic Hindu devotional print designed by the famed artist Ravi Varma (1848–1906) and printed at his Fine Art Lithographic Press in Mumbai.

Artist

Unknown

Date

Undated, ca.1895–99

Medium

Chromolithographic print on paper

Culture

India

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mark Baron and Elise Boisanté, 2012