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Goddess Tripura Sundari, from a Devi Series
Goddess Tripura Sundari, from a Devi Series

Goddess Tripura Sundari, from a Devi Series

CultureIndian
Dateca. 1810-1820
MediumOpaque watercolor and gold on paper
DimensionsImage: 5 5/8 × 7 7/8 inches (14.29 × 20 cm)
Sheet: 8 × 10 3/8 inches (20.32 × 26.35 cm)
Credit LineGift of Wayne and Nancy Hunnicutt
Object number2019.63.2
On View
Not on view
DescriptionThe painting of the goddess Tripura Sundari, depicts a red, four-armed goddess seated upon a recumbent figure of Shiva (Sadashiva) who lays upon a low platform. The platform, reminiscent of a throne is supported by four of the major Hindu gods, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra. This scene is set on a white ground, suggesting marble architecture, and against a blue sky, dominated by a large curving, yellow color field. The scene is ornamented by floral decoration, with red flowering bushes to either side of the figures and scrolling pink flowers on the platform supporting Devi and Shiva. The goddess is dressed in red garments and a gold crown and jewelry and holds a goad (ankush), arrow, bow, and noose in her hands. Given the dominance of the goddess over Shiva, and indeed all of the male gods, this painting is clearly from a series that illustrates the Great Goddess in her many forms. Tripura Sundari is worshipped as a Great Goddess, is a member of the Ten Mahavidyas (Great Wisdom goddesses), and has her own tantric tradition as well. The painting is horizontal in format and the scene is framed by a dark blue and wide red border.Exhibition History
No known exhibition history at this time.
Provenance

Royal Library of Mandi, Mandi, India, until 1969;

Private collection, Germany, 1969–2009;

Purchased at Indian and Southeast Asian Art, Sotheby’s, New York, March 18, 2009, Lot 77 as A Group of Five Illustrations of Manifestations of Devi, by Nancy and Wayne Hunnicutt, Sebastopol, CA, 2009–present.

Published References

Indian and Southeast Asian Art (New York: Sotheby’s and Co., 2009), 37, fig. 77, (repro.).

Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.


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