Vrouwen die Shiva aanbidden worden onderbroken door een visioen van Krishna c. 1795 - 1805

This is an anonymous Indian painting on paper, depicting women worshipping Shiva. Look closely, and you will see the meticulous application of pigment, probably made with minerals and plant-based dyes. The artist rendered each figure with incredible precision and attention to detail, from the folds in the women’s garments, to the incense sticks placed in front of the deities. The painting’s surface is smooth and highly burnished, reflecting the labor-intensive process required to create it. Such paintings were often commissioned by wealthy patrons, and their production involved a team of skilled artisans, from pigment makers to draftsmen, each contributing to the final artwork. Consider the social context in which this painting was made. The devotion of labor is a testament to both religious faith, and to the economic system that sustained such artistic production. The shimmering surface and vibrant colors are not merely decorative, they are evidence of skill and faith brought together.