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Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati (verso)
c. 1890
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
This is a symmetrical painting of two goddesses, each standing on a lotus (symbolizing beauty and purity). Both are considered in Bengali folklore to be sisters and the daughters of the goddess Durga. Lakshmi, goddess of fortune, prosperity, and beauty, and wife of Vishnu, is holding an unfinished flower. Sarasvati, goddess of knowledge, learning, and patroness of the fine arts, is holding a stringed instrument, which represents refined training and education. Sarasvati is white skinned, signifying purity.
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Details
- Title: Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati (verso)
- Date Created: c. 1890
- Physical Dimensions: Secondary Support: 40.5 x 30 cm (15 15/16 x 11 13/16 in.); Painting only: 45.3 x 28.4 cm (17 13/16 x 11 3/16 in.)
- Provenance: William E. Ward [1922-2004], Solon, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Type: Painting
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/2003.150.b
- Medium: Watercolor, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
- Department: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
- Culture: Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat
- Credit Line: Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward
- Collection: Indian Art
- Accession Number: 2003.150.b
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