The Holy Trinity, Brahma the Creator (center), Vishnu the Preserver (right) and Mahesh the Destroyer with Snakes (left)

Painting

Purdue University Galleries

Name/Title

The Holy Trinity, Brahma the Creator (center), Vishnu the Preserver (right) and Mahesh the Destroyer with Snakes (left)

Entry/Object ID

1998.09.13

Description

The painting depicts three figures in vibrant clothing, each raising their hands in a celebratory gesture. The central figure sits in a slightly larger posture, holding objects. The left figure is adorned with serpent-like shapes near the head, while the figure on the right holds symbolic items.

Type of Painting

Watercolor

Artwork Details

Medium

Paper

Subject

Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh

Subject Person

Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva

Subject Place

Country

India

Acquisition

Accession

1998.09

Source or Donor

Derek Davenport

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Derek Davenport

Ethnography

Cultural Region

Region

Madhubani

Country

India

Notes

Traditionally produced by women, Madhubani/Mithila paintings are identifiable by bright colors, geometric patterning, and two-dimensionality.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Attribution, Note

Location

Back Upper Left Corner

Transcription

THE HOLY TRINITY BRAHMA - the creator (Centre) VISHNU - the preserver (right) MAHESH - the destroyer (left - with snakes)

Language

English

Material/Technique

Pen

Type

Note

Location

Back Bottom Right Corner

Transcription

1998.09.13 DAD

Language

English

Material/Technique

Pencil

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Painting

Nomenclature Class

Art

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

Dimensions

Height

22 in

Width

29-3/4 in

Provenance

Notes

Derek Davenport (1927-2017), West Lafayette, Indiana; donated to the Purdue University Galleries in 1998