Shankar

Oleograph on paper

19.25 x 14 in (49 x 35.5 cm)

The work has a printed inscription on the lower right stating that the print was printed at the Ravi Udaya F.A.L Press, Ghatkopar, Bombay

This work will be shipped unframed

This oleograph published by the Ravi Varma Press depicts Lord Shiva as Shankar. We can see Lord Shiva in the act of blessing or bestowing grace upon Ganesh. It is in this form of Lord Shiva that the Ganpati is made the lord of the troops (gana-pathi).

This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma follows the scriptural description. Lord Shiva is represented as the central figure with four arms which carry the trident (trishul) and the battle-axe (parashu) while his primary hands embrace Parvati and the other hand although resting nonchalantly upon Ganpati is actually in the gesture of protection (abhaya). Ganpati is also with four arms carrying the noose (pasha) and goad (ankusha), a sweet dumpling (modaka) and his tusk (danta).