Painting

About this object

History of use

This painting is the work of an artist who is part of a school or genre of tribal painting that originated in Madya Pradesh State where artists are centered around the village of Patangarh in Dindori district and are of the large tribal group known as Gond. The style and painters were supported and popularized by the artist and educator, J. Swaminathan, Director of the art gallery at the Bharat Bhavan, based in Bhopal, who “discovered” its most famous exponent, Jangar Singh Syam.

Narrative

Purchased at the DakshinaChitra museum (related to the Madras Craft Foundation) in Muttukadu, near Chennai.

Iconographic meaning

This painting illustrates the Hindu god, Ganesha, seated on his rat, a deity who perhaps more than others has be integrated into the tribal religious world.

Physical description

Painting on paper of the Hindu god Ganesha, seated on his rat. Signature at bottom in Hindi script. Image is framed with brown matboard that cuts off the tip of the rat's nose, and is adhered to the painting.