Rare Painting of the Goddess Kali in the Kalighat style – (early to mid 19thc.)

£1,600.00

1 in stock

Painted in opaque watercolour with silver paint (tin alloy) details, on paper laid onto cloth. Inscribed Káli in ink (lower left). The image of the goddess Kali represents the deity at the Kalighat temple in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. She is depicted haloed and four armed, in her upper left she carries a sacrificial knife (ram-dao) and in her lower left she carries a decapitated head. She sticks her tongue out in the iconographically usual way. Silver paint has been used to indicate her many items of jewellery. Some losses on the edges. Framed and glazed.

Painting: 18 x 11 in. (45.8 x 28 cm.)
Frame: 23 5/8 x 15 7/8 in. (60 x 40.5 cm.)

Description

Kalighat painting represents the rich artistic legacy of Bengal, created by artists near Calcutta’s iconic Kalighat Temple, these paintings were traditionally sold to pilgrims and visitors. Over time, Kalighat paintings evolved into a distinct art form that had a profound influence on later artists such as Jamini Roy.

This piece, likely dates from the first half of the 19th century, holds significant cultural value, providing an intimate glimpse into the historical and artistic fabric of Bengal during that period.

Brand

Unidentified / Unknown Artist