Important Notice

BIKANER, CIRCA 1780
Gouache on paper heightened with gold
Image: 8.75 x 6.25 in (22.2 x 15.8 cm)
Folio: 9.25 x 7 in (23.4 x 17.7 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
The Tandan Collection



Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He assumes the form of a half-man, half-lion, to defeat the asura Hiranyakashipu. According to a boon granted by Lord Brahma, Hiranyakashipu cannot die at the hands of a being from any of the three worlds. He can die neither indoors nor outside, neither on land nor in the sky, neither in the morning nor at night. Since he cannot be granted immortality, he seeks conditions that make him nearly invincible. However, Lord Vishnu outsmarts him by bursting forth from a pillar, and circumvents the conditions to kill him. It is this moment that is depicted in this powerful painting. To the left, Prahalad, Hiranyakashipu's son and a devout follower of Vishnu, folds his hands in reverence.

BIKANER, CIRCA 1780
Gouache on paper heightened with gold
Image: 8.75 x 6.25 in (22.2 x 15.8 cm)
Folio: 9.25 x 7 in (23.4 x 17.7 cm)

NON-EXPORTABLE REGISTERED ANTIQUITY

PROVENANCE
The Tandan Collection



Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He assumes the form of a half-man, half-lion, to defeat the asura Hiranyakashipu. According to a boon granted by Lord Brahma, Hiranyakashipu cannot die at the hands of a being from any of the three worlds. He can die neither indoors nor outside, neither on land nor in the sky, neither in the morning nor at night. Since he cannot be granted immortality, he seeks conditions that make him nearly invincible. However, Lord Vishnu outsmarts him by bursting forth from a pillar, and circumvents the conditions to kill him. It is this moment that is depicted in this powerful painting. To the left, Prahalad, Hiranyakashipu's son and a devout follower of Vishnu, folds his hands in reverence.