Indian Painting of Bhairava, the Manifestation of Shiva and Dogs

Winged woman sits cross-legged between two dogs on a lime green field.

This painting of Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva, with dogs is from India, and dates to the early 20th century. It is pigment. Mineral and plant pigments on paper have been the usual materials for Indian devotional painting, with flat areas of strong color and clear outlines. Small painted page on a bright green ground, framed by a gold line and a wide red velvet-like border. A winged figure in a pink and violet skirt sits with hands pressed together. Two dogs rest below, with lines of script all around. It is 8.25 inches wide and 10.5 high.

A crowded little scene, and every line of it is tidy.