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 or Organization
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
