We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Vishnu as Narasimha

circa 1890

Artist

Kalighat style

India

circa 1830 – 1930

  • Details

    Alternative title
    Kalighat
    Place where the work was made
    Kolkata (Calcutta) → West Bengal → India
    Date
    circa 1890
    Media category
    Painting
    Materials used
    opaque watercolour on paper
    Dimensions
    28.5 x 24.0 cm
    Credit
    Gift of Dr Jim Masselos 2021
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    114.2021
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Artist information
    Kalighat style

    Works in the collection

    9

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  • About

    Avatars or manifestations of the great Hindu god Vishnu come to earth to restore order at times of instability. When the demon Hiranyakasipu threatened the peace, Vishnu took the form of half-man, half-lion Narasimha and destroyed him.

    Kalighat paintings developed as inexpensive souvenirs for sale to pilgrims visiting the Kali temple in Calcutta (Kolkata). Quickly painted, they were popular from around 1830 until they were replaced by printed images in the late 19th century.

Other works by Kalighat style

See all 9 works