The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

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

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
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.)
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2003.150.b
Location: Not on view

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.
  • ?–2003
    William E. Ward [1922–2004], Solon, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2003–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Indian Kalighat Paintings. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (May 1-September 18, 2011).
  • {{cite web|title=Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati (verso), from a Kalighat album|url=false|author=|year=c. 1890|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2003.150.b