Sundareshvara as a siddha feeding sugarcane to the elephant.
ca. 1800
Medium
Ink and wash on J. Whatman paper watermarked 1798
Dimensions
Sheet (folded): 16 1/8 × 10 1/16 in. (41 × 25.5 cm) Sheet: 16 1/8 × 20 1/8 in. (41 × 51.1 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Culture
India, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2021
Accession Number
2021.327
Art Historical Context
In the vibrant tradition of South Indian Shaivism, this captivating painting from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Sundareshvara—a beloved form of the god Shiva—depicted as a sidd, or perfected yogi. Here, he tenderly feeds sugarcane to a gentle elephant, evoking themes of divine compassion, harmony with nature, and spiritual attainment. Madurai, home to the iconic Meenakshi Temple Sundareshvara (Sundareswarar) is enshrined alongside his consort, was a thriving hub of religious art around 1800. This scene likely draws from local Tamil legends, celebrating Shiva's playful and nurturing aspects amid the dev...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –