The Assumption of the Virgin Mary -Details

In the extension of themes beyond Hinduism, Kalamkari artists freely merged iconography and imagery that were a part of their repertory with those from other Faiths. This biblical depiction was a part of similar versions, which included The Life of Christ and The Crucifxion, where, with the Virgin Mary at the centre, the conventional style of horizontal registers for storytelling widely prevalent in painted Indian scrolls narrates the life of Jesus Christ.

Mother Mary is conceptualised here as a Hindu Goddess. The halo itself is deeply ornamented than a play of light and shade. The costumes and jewellery, elaborate drapery are all reminiscent of forms in Hindu temple carvings. Her right hand is raised in blessing yet her left hand is suspended in a danseuse like pose. One feet behind the other, she is part human and part Goddess here. The angels take the form of apsaras and the disciples at her feet are also attired in drapes and jewels borrowed from Hindu mythology.