Here Lord Vishnu is depicted as emerging out of a fish. In this Matsya incarnation, Vishnu killed the demon Hayagriva who had stolen the Vedas and restored them to Brahma. Three quarter of the painting depicts water with small dashes of the brush. In the water are fish, turtle water snake, shell and other aqua features. The scales of the big fish are finely done. The emerging figure is above water and the earth is depicted by flowers and birds. Vishnu wears a crown and other jewellery. There is a halo behind his head. He holds the discus, mace, conch and a lotus in his four hands.
The image has a starting clarity due to the brilliant colours. Moreover, the clarity is linked to a lack of realism, with the figure hardly bearing the colour that it would have in ordinary life. The line is firm and confident in movement. Elements like flowers, birds and geometric patterns appear to fill empty spaces and surround the central figure.
This description by Kiranjyot
Of Related Interest:
Matsya Avatara, the First Avatara of Vishnu (Madhubani Painting on Hand Made Paper treated with Cow Dung)
Matsya-Avataar Yantra (Tantra Painting)
Vishnu's Matsya Avataar (Antiquated Sterling Silver Pendant)
Dash Avataar - The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu (Orissa's Paata Painting)
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