Veneration of Ganesha and King Ravana 1729

Bernard Picart created this print, Veneration of Ganesha and King Ravana, whose exact date is unknown, with etching techniques. The two-tiered composition presents scenes filled with meticulously rendered figures and architectural details, establishing a stark contrast between the divine and the mortal. In the upper register, Ganesha is venerated amidst devotees. The figures' gestures and postures create a dynamic interplay of submission and supplication. Below, King Ravana is depicted in a parallel scene, suggesting a hierarchical structure that elevates the divine above the earthly. Picart's use of line and form conveys the power dynamics at play. The architectural backdrop serves as a stage, framing the veneration rituals and emphasizing their performative nature. This print challenges fixed meanings by juxtaposing different cultural and religious figures within a single frame, prompting viewers to question established values and categories. Ultimately, the formal structure of this print, with its balanced composition and detailed execution, functions as a discourse on power, representation, and the interpretation of cultural practices.