Shri Shankara Shiva

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of's Asian Art collection, where you'll find *Shri Shankara Shiva a striking color lithograph created by an unknown artist around 1890–1920. Measuring 19 3/4 x 14 3/4 inches, this print honors Shiva, known as Shankara—one of his revered epithets in Hinduism, symbolizing the auspicious bestower of grace. The title's "Shri" prefix underscores divine reverence, inviting devotees into a vivid portrayal of the god's serene yet powerful presence. Produced in India during a transformative era, this lithograph exemplifies the explosion of affordable devotional art enabled by chromolithography. Introduced via colonial printing presses in the late 19th century, the technique allowed for bold, multi-layered colors and intricate details through stone-based transfers, making sacred imagery accessible beyond elite temples. These prints adorned homes, shops, and shrines, blending traditional iconography with modern mass production. As a gift from The Kipper Family Foundation in 2021, *Shri Shankara Shiva* highlights India's rich printmaking tradition, bridging spirituality and artistry. It offers a window into how everyday Indians engaged with their faith amid rapid modernization, reminding us of art's enduring role in cultural devotion.