A PAINTING OF GODDESS DURGA, INDIA, RAJASTHAN, 19TH CENTURY

Opaque watercolor on paper, depicting the eight-armed Goddess Durga seated on a tiger and holding her weapons. With a gilt wooden frame.

CATALOGUE NOTE Durga’s name in Sanskrit means a fort. It is symbolic of protection. According to legend, Durga was created for the slaying of the buffalo demon Mahisasura by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the lesser gods, who were otherwise powerless to overcome him. Embodying their collective energy (shakti), she is both derivatives from the male divinities and the true source of their inner power. She is also greater than any of them. Born fully grown and beautiful, Durga presents a fierce menacing form to her enemies. She is usually depicted riding a lion or a tiger and with 8 or 10 arms, each holding the special weapon of one of the gods, who gave them to her for her battle against the buffalo demon.
44 by 58 cm.