The Hindu deity Ganesha
Artist
Jogmaya Devi
(Indian)
Place of OriginBihar state, India
DateJanuary 12, 1983
MaterialsInk and colors on paper
DimensionsH. 30 in x W. 22 1/2 in, H. 76.20 cm x W. 57.15 cm
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1999.39.40
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewThe beloved elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha is a favorite subject for many Mithila artists. Representing the god allows artists to express personal devotion, and the theme also enjoys enduring popularity with art lovers and collectors.
Here Jogmaya Devi paints an exuberant and colorful Ganesha, although the deity is not easy to identify at first glance. Ganesha does not have an elephant’s large ears or the chubby belly seen in most representations; even his trunk is barely distinguishable. The god is shown as a humanlike, standing figure, holding his usual attributes in his four arms: a lotus, axe, scroll of text, and dessert (laddoo). Brightly colored lotus plants, buds, and flowers frame the god’s figure and give the painting an energetic and cheerful quality.
Here Jogmaya Devi paints an exuberant and colorful Ganesha, although the deity is not easy to identify at first glance. Ganesha does not have an elephant’s large ears or the chubby belly seen in most representations; even his trunk is barely distinguishable. The god is shown as a humanlike, standing figure, holding his usual attributes in his four arms: a lotus, axe, scroll of text, and dessert (laddoo). Brightly colored lotus plants, buds, and flowers frame the god’s figure and give the painting an energetic and cheerful quality.
approx. 1968
