CLASSICAL INDIAN ART | LIVE AUCTION, MUMBAI (09 MARCH 2017)

The painting is executed as a triptych, with each

panel highlighting the importance of the

Trimurthis

or Trinity: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver,

and Shiva the Destroyer. Shiva is seated on a tiger

skin in the left panel, with his trident and

rudraksha

necklace, a symbol of meditation. Mount Kailash, his

abode, is seen in the background. The centre panel

shows Vishnu with his attributes: the discus, conch,

mace and lotus. Brahma is depicted holding the

Vedas

or Holy Scriptures, a

rudraksha

necklace, a

vessel, and a ladle. An assortment of ritual objects is

spread out in front of the three Gods.

In Hinduism, the Trinity represents the highest form

of divinity responsible for maintaining the cosmos.

Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are bestowed with the

highest importance

The

Puranas

are replete with

stories of their intervention to save the

devas

or their

devotees from the destructive forces of the

asuras

or granting boons to those who pray to them with

dedication. The Trinity assume various avatars to rid

the earth of evil or restore balance to the cosmos.

SHIVA, VISHNU AND BRAHMA

PAHARI, CIRCA 1820

Inscribed in Nagari ‘Mahesh’ at the lower left, ‘Vishnu’ at the

lower centre and ‘Brahma’ at the lower right

Gouache on paper heightened with gold

Image: 6.5 x 10.75 in (17.1 x 27.8 cm)

Folio: 7 x 11.25 in (18.2 x 29 cm)

Rs 7,00,000 ‒ 9,00,000

$ 10,450 - 13,435

NON‒EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE

Property from a Distinguished Family Collection