Description Tanjore (Tamil Nadu) Opaque pigments and gold on wood This detailed Tanjore painting, set against a maroon background, depicts the Shri Ranganathasvami temple complex dedicated to Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu), located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. Vishnu as Ranganatha is shown reclining on the coils of the five-hooded cosmic serpent Adisesa within the main sanctuary complex. His head rests on his bent right arm, while his left arm is at his side. To his right, floating on a symbolic cloud, is his devotee, Vibhishana, next to the shankh chakra namah. In the lower register, the processional image of Vishnu as Alagiyamanavala, ‘the beautiful bridegroom’, is flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi. Two guardian figures (dwarapalas) stand beneath the arch holding maces. Vishnu as Alagiyamanavala holds his usual emblems: the conch and discus. The river Kaveri encircles the island that holds the temple town of Srirangam and is painted along the border of the scene. Within the temple complex, there are a number of smaller shrines dedicated to various deities, represented by the small shrine in the top left corner. Krishna is depicted in the top right, beside one of the sacred water pools, grappling the serpent demon Kaliya. As one of the three most important Vaishnava shrines in South India, along with the Tirumala and Varadarajasvami, the temple was frequently depicted in nineteenth-century South Indian painting. It is also considered one of the largest functioning Hindu temple complexes in the world. Traditional Tanjore paintings were done on wooden panels which were typically seasoned teak wood or jack wood whose narrow strips were joined together. In some exceptional paintings precious stones were used as insets, but usually it was paste and strips of pure gold foil in which exquisite patterns were etched. Colours were prepared from natural extracts. There was a complete absence of light and shade effects except sometimes on the faces of the main figures. Strong bright and flat colours such as red, white, yellow, green and blue were used. Figures were often rotund, suggesting prosperity. Background colours were typically red, blue or green. The themes were predominantly religious but also included portraits of rulers and courtesans. Figures were usually placed within a pavilion with arches, curtains, pillars etc. Framed Size (cms): 57(H) x 49(W) x 5(D) Framed Size (inches): 22.5(H) x 19.5(W) x 2(D)
