Shiva Ardhanarisvara 1795 - 1805

This miniature painting, titled "Shiva Ardhanarisvara", created in India between 1795 and 1805, depicts the Hindu god Shiva in his androgynous form, Ardhanarisvara. This form symbolizes the unity of male and female principles. The artwork shows Shiva with the upper half as a woman, Parvati, and the lower half as a man. The painting showcases the vibrant colors and intricate details characteristic of Indian miniature art. It is a significant work that explores the complex themes of gender, power, and divinity in Hinduism, and is now housed in the Rijksmuseum.