Untitled

Unknown

Undated, 1920–30 · Chromolithographic print with varnish on paper · Asian Art

Skanda, the Hindu god of war, is worshipped under many names, as Kartikeya and Kumara especially in northern India, and as Murugan and Subramanyan in the south. The oldest son of Shiva and Parvati, he is nonetheless often depicted as a child, as here. He holds a golden spear and is attended by his mount, the peacock, whose radiant tail feathers frame him in a glorious nimbus. Variants of this print were produced for devotees visiting the many sites sacred to Skanda, especially in Tamil Nadu. One such shrine is depicted at upper right, which may be the hilltop temple of Palani.

Artist

Unknown

Date

Undated, 1920–30

Medium

Chromolithographic print with varnish on paper

Culture

India

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Gift of Mrs. William J. Calhoun, by exchange, 2013