In Bengal, Parvati and Durga are often intertwined in art. Here, the identity of Ganesha Janani, originally give to Parvati, is transposed upon Durga - as emphasised by the presence of her third eye. A halo encircles her head, with a distinct inner-edge that diffuses outwards. The goddess is seated on a throne, with four attendants behind her. The infant child sits breastfeeding on her lap, painted classically with a white head and ruddy body. The goddess, who looks back at the viewer, is comparable in design to Madonna in European Christian paintings showing Nursing Madonna or Madonna Lactans iconographies.
Anonymous (Early Bengal)
Ganesha Janani
c. late 19th century
Oil highlighted with gold leaf on canvas
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Anonymous (Early Bengal)
Ganesha Janani
c. late 19th century
Oil highlighted with gold leaf on canvas
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