Hindu Mythology Figure Madhubani Painting from India, "Ganesha & Parvati"

Over an idyllic backdrop of swirls and flowers, a young Ganesha finds himself in his gentle, loving mother Parvati's arms, mounted on a fierce wild cat. Depicted without perceived depth or space, Parvati and Ganesha emerge from the background with bold contrast and juxtaposition of textures. Utilizing plant-derived dyes that she discovered during her post-graduate studies, artist Bharti Dayal paints 'Ganesha & Parvati' to tell the story of her native India, incorporating solid colour contours and layered floral motifs into both deity and wild cat.

In this painting, Parvati manifests as a devoted mother in the traditional human form, seemingly mortal in her portrayal, differing from competing incarnations in Indian society that often give her eight arms and royal symmetry. Ganesha's manifestation is unusual in that Dayal only gives him two arms, differing from the commonly accepted four. Together, Parvati, the Goddess of power, and Ganesha, the God of wisdom are successful in conveying the significance and spirit of Indian Hinduism.

"Madhubani paintings are in fact a simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilization for the universal power of love, longing and peace; the quest of all beings," Dayal says.