Artwork Page for Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati (verso), from a Kalighat album

Details / Information for Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati (verso), from a Kalighat album

Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati (verso), from a Kalighat album

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

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Medium
Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
Measurements
Secondary Support: 40.5 x 30 cm (15 15/16 x 11 13/16 in.); Painting only: 45.3 x 28.4 cm (17 13/16 x 11 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2003.150.b
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This is a symmetrical painting of two goddesses, each standing on a lotus (symbolizing beauty and purity). Both are considered in Bengali folklore to be sisters and the daughters of the goddess Durga. Lakshmi, goddess of fortune, prosperity, and beauty, and wife of Vishnu, is holding an unfinished flower. Sarasvati, goddess of knowledge, learning, and patroness of the fine arts, is holding a stringed instrument, which represents refined training and education. Sarasvati is white skinned, signifying purity.
A vertically oriented gum tempera and graphite painting depicts Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati. On our left, Lakshmi has a yellow skin tone and wears an orange-red garment. On our right, Sarasvati has a light skin tone with blue highlights, holding a stringed instrument across her green garment. Both figures wear tiered crowns and silver-colored jewelry while standing with crossed legs on purple lotus blossoms against a plain beige background.

Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati (verso), from a Kalighat album

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

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