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This painting’s tightly packed composition is characteristic of Nepalese paintings, which typically fill the canvas with deities, gods, goddesses, animals, and floral motifs. Also characteristic of Nepalese works of art, this painting includes an inscription on its back that allows it to be dated to 1796.
Siddhi Lakshmi
OriginNepal
DateDated by inscription 1796
Dimensions33 7/8 × 24 3/4 in. (estimated)
MediumPigments on cloth
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2003.38.2
Himalayan Art Resources Number65268
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/exhibition/symbols-and-meanings/hindu-gods-and-goddesses/siddhi-lakshmi/
Currently On Viewat Harn Museum of Art, traveling exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art, until July 28, 2024
DescriptionThe fierce Siddha Lakshmi, a wrathful manifestation of the Hindu goddess Durga, was the protecting and guiding goddess of the Malla kings, who ruled Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley from the thirteenth through eighteenth century and their descendants. Here she is shown at the center of the composition standing on the hands of her consort, the great god Shiva, with her various forms occupying the registers above and below. Her name opens with the Sanskrit term “siddha,” which indicates that she has mastered the art of accomplishment, and as such she is appealed to by followers for the successful completion of projects.This painting’s tightly packed composition is characteristic of Nepalese paintings, which typically fill the canvas with deities, gods, goddesses, animals, and floral motifs. Also characteristic of Nepalese works of art, this painting includes an inscription on its back that allows it to be dated to 1796.
17th or 18th century
13th century
17th century
19th century
10th century
Dated by inscription,1463
15th century
ca.1500
17th century
18th century
dated by inscription, 1694
15th century