Archival Details

• Tradition: Tanjore
• Period: mid-1800s
• Medium: Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
• Dimensions: Overall: 24.1 x 19.9 cm (9 1/2 x 7 13/16 in.)
• Credit line: Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward
• Source: The Cleveland Museum of Art, accession 2001.164

Thanjavur (Tanjore) painting originated in the South Indian temple town of Thanjavur, developing under Maratha patronage from around the 17th–18th century onward. It is distinguished by dense composition, rich color, and the application of gold leaf and gemstones or glass over relief work, typically depicting Hindu deities.