Description Tanjore (South India) reverse painting on glass This decorative reverse glass painting from Thanjavur depicts Saraswati seated in lalitasana on a throne supported by a large bolster that matches her dress. Her left foot rests on a huge lotus. Sumptuously dressed and bejewelled, she carries a vina and holds a stylus in her upper right hand and a book in her lower left hand. A long floral garland hangs from her neck. Fluted pillars and thick drapery are set against a blue background. Saraswati is the goddess of speech and learning, the inventor of Sanskrit, the patroness of the arts, and the consort of Brahma. Saraswati is equally revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Along with Lakshmi, she is among the most popular goddesses, whose images are ubiquitous. Reverse glass paintings were introduced into India in the late 18th century from China via the China Trade. Indian artists adopted the technique of reverse glass painting partly on account of its novelty and also because it was a relatively inexpensive medium which could produce rich effects. The technique proved extremely popular and soon spread through western and southern India and even to former provincial Mughal capitals of Oudh and Murshidabad. In Tanjore – a small state with an old art tradition- a distinctive school of glass painting developed in the early 19th century and continued for more than a hundred years. The style was essentially Indian – it tended to repeat patterns of regional painting: images of deities, portraits and themes from the ancient myths, secular themes such as portraits of kings or nobles, courtesans and musicians. The colour was rich and the style bold and defiant. The subjects were clearly presented with a certain opulence and glamour. Framed Size (cms): 53(H) x 39(W) x 3(D) Framed Size (inches): 21(H) x 15.5(W) x 1(D)
