Double-Sided Painted Banner (Paubha) with God Shiva
16th-17th century
Medium
Pigment and gold on cotton
Dimensions
95 × 71 cm (37 3/8 × 28 in.)
Classification
painting
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
142517
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
In this dynamic, double-sided painted banner from Nepal, designed to be carried high over the heads of the crowd during a religious festival, the Hindu God Shiva dances on his bull, Nandi, who turns his head upward to look lovingly at his Lord. This may represent Shiva as Nataraja, Lord of Dance, who is often depicted dancing atop his bull in Nepal. The other side depicts Durga, Shiva’s shakti (energy), dancing on a white snow lion. The remarkably well-preserved painting is enlivened by the bol...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...