The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 16, 2024

Maharana Sangram Singh II (r. 1710–34) Worshipping a Linga Under a Banyan Tree

Maharana Sangram Singh II (r. 1710–34) Worshipping a Linga Under a Banyan Tree

c. 1712–15
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Page: 24.8 x 18.1 cm (9 3/4 x 7 1/8 in.); Miniature: 23.2 x 16.8 cm (9 1/8 x 6 5/8 in.)
Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.144
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

A miniature sculpture of Nandi, the bull mount of Shiva, is next to the king on the terrace.

Description

The king kneels in worship at an ancient tree shrine on the banks of a lake. Such shrines were often associated with serpent deities, and a four-headed snake painted in gold is wrapped around the linga, the phallic emblem marking the sacred presence of the god Shiva. Flowers, packets of paan (areca nut and sweetmeats wrapped in betel leaf), coconuts, and a flower garland are among the offerings.
  • -2018
    Catherine Glynn Benkaim and Barbara Timmer, Beverly Hills, CA, partial sale and gift to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2018-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
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Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2018.144