The Vishnu dashavatara is a popular theme with Indian painters and artists. In the idiom of Thanjavur art, it is a rare and supremely complex subject to work with. The Thanjavur painting that you see on this page features twelve panels of varying dimensions across a canvas of substantial proportions.
Each of the panels is as good as a standalone Tanjore painting. Zoom in on each of them to appreciate the finesse of the artisan’s handiwork, which prevails despite the scale. Hyper-precise gessowork layered with solid gold embellishment that define the adornment of each standing figure as well as the implements in the hands.
The largest panel is in the centre of the canvas. It is visually the most powerful image of Lord Vishnu, possessed of multitudinous arms, with a limb raised high in the air. Immediately above this panel is the second-largest one depicting Him in the company of His twin wives and devotees. The remaining ten (dasha’) panels are of equal dimensions and represent the all-important incarnations (‘avataras’).
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