Badri Narayan (Indian, 1929-2013) Untitled (Parvati with child, surrounded by...
Badri Narayan (Indian, 1929-2013)
Untitled (Parvati with child, surrounded by yalis and deities)
mixed media on paper, framed
54.2 x 74.8cm (21 5/16 x 29 7/16in).
Provenance
Property from a private collection, UK.
Acquired in the late 1970s from the artist.
Narayan is known for his distinct style that combines traditional Indian motifs with contemporary art. He derived his inspiration from the cultural and social landscape of India, including its mythology and folklore. In addition to being a self-taught artist, he was also a professional writer and illustrator and worked on the Orient Longman Indian Epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana in 1985 and 1988 respectively. The dual nature of his career meant that he was a natural storyteller, and his two-dimensional paintings are often grand narrations which include fantastical elements. The present lot is a fine example of this from Narayan's oeuvre.
Seated in the middle on her throne is the Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, who is revered in Hindu mythology as the embodiment of feminine power and energy. Often depicted as a motherly figure, here she is seen cradling a child, perhaps her son Kartikeya and holding a floral toy in her raised hand. Depicted in the colour of Goddess Kali, the fierce and powerful deity, she is surrounded by two yalis, the Hindu mythological creature said to be more powerful than a lion, tiger, or elephant. Directly above them, are two winged angels, perhaps incarnations of the demigod Garuda, who appear to be watching over Parvati and her child.
Compositionally, there is no depth to the work however this allows for there to be an immediacy to the painting. The black and red background cuts the work into thirds and allows for the Goddess in blue to stand out. The predominant colours used are shades of yellow and gold, which illustrates the divinity of the scene. It is a striking and complex work and amplifies Narayan's sense of beauty and aesthetics.
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Badri Narayan (Indian, 1929-2013)
Untitled (Parvati with child, surrounded by yalis and deities)
mixed media on paper, framed
54.2 x 74.8cm (21 5/16 x 29 7/16in).
Provenance
Property from a private collection, UK.
Acquired in the late 1970s from the artist.
Narayan is known for his distinct style that combines traditional Indian motifs with contemporary art. He derived his inspiration from the cultural and social landscape of India, including its mythology and folklore. In addition to being a self-taught artist, he was also a professional writer and illustrator and worked on the Orient Longman Indian Epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana in 1985 and 1988 respectively. The dual nature of his career meant that he was a natural storyteller, and his two-dimensional paintings are often grand narrations which include fantastical elements. The present lot is a fine example of this from Narayan's oeuvre.
Seated in the middle on her throne is the Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, who is revered in Hindu mythology as the embodiment of feminine power and energy. Often depicted as a motherly figure, here she is seen cradling a child, perhaps her son Kartikeya and holding a floral toy in her raised hand. Depicted in the colour of Goddess Kali, the fierce and powerful deity, she is surrounded by two yalis, the Hindu mythological creature said to be more powerful than a lion, tiger, or elephant. Directly above them, are two winged angels, perhaps incarnations of the demigod Garuda, who appear to be watching over Parvati and her child.
Compositionally, there is no depth to the work however this allows for there to be an immediacy to the painting. The black and red background cuts the work into thirds and allows for the Goddess in blue to stand out. The predominant colours used are shades of yellow and gold, which illustrates the divinity of the scene. It is a striking and complex work and amplifies Narayan's sense of beauty and aesthetics.
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Estimate
Time, Location
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