Shiva Ardhanarisvara c. 1700 - 1750

This Indian painting presents Shiva Ardhanarishvara, a deity that is half-male and half-female, embodying the integration of masculine and feminine principles. Shiva, on the left, is depicted with blue skin, while his counterpart, Parvati, is on the right, adorned with jewelry, together sitting on a tiger skin. The composite form of Ardhanarishvara extends back through time. We see echoes in Hermaphroditus, a figure from Greek mythology who merges male and female forms, embodying a union of opposites. This symbol represents the reconciliation of binary forces within the individual psyche, and the broader cosmos. The serpent, a recurring motif, often symbolizes cyclical time and rebirth. Observe the snake coiled around Shiva’s neck, a symbol that appears in ancient Near Eastern art, where snakes were associated with healing and immortality. The psychological allure of Ardhanarishvara lies in its potential to evoke wholeness. This image taps into our collective yearning for balance and unity. The tiger skin is another symbolic motif used as an emblem of power and control over instincts, a theme that frequently recurs in ancient art. These motifs resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across different eras.