Durga fighting the rakshashas Shunga and Nishunga, from a Devi Mahatmya
mid 19th century
Classification
Painting
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1907.602
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
About this artwork
Jaipur Court
Art Historical Context
In this dynamic painting, the multi-armed goddess Durga appears several times astride powerful yellow lions, her figures wielding tridents and other weapons as she confronts green-skinned demons. Some rakshasas tumble on foot while others ride dark horses drawing an ornate chariot across a pale, sandy ground. The scene is crowded with motion, set within a bold red border and rendered in flat, vibrant colors typical of traditional South Asian manuscript illustration. This work, titled *Durga fighting the rakshashas Shunga and Nishunga, from a Devi Mahatmya*, dates to the mid-19th century and is attributed to an unknown artist associated with the Jaipur court. It depicts a celebrated episode from the ancient text honoring the divine feminine in her battle against chaos. Gifted by Charles Lang Freer, the painting now resides in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where it introduces visitors to the rich visual storytelling of Indian devotional art.
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...