Veneration of Ganesha and King Ravana 1729

"Veneration of Ganesha and King Ravana" (1729) by Bernard Picart (1673-1733) is a two-part engraving depicting scenes of religious worship in Ceylon. The top image shows a depiction of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god, while the bottom image shows a Sinhalese king, perhaps representing Ravana, kneeling in prayer before a deity. Picart's work, held at the Rijksmuseum, provides insight into European perceptions of South Asian religious practices during the 18th century. The artwork is a fine example of early European colonial art, and the use of a graphic style allows for a clear and detailed depiction of the scenes.