A POLYCHROME-PAINTED REVERSE GLASS PORTRAIT OF THE HINDU GOD VISHNU
PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE GERMAN COLLECTION
Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, Southern India, late 19th century

Opaque pigments and gold leaf on glass, the vertical composition depicting the Hindu god Vishnu enthroned and surrounded by his devotees, in particular his consort Lakshmi to the right; Hanuman to the base of the throne holding up the god's foot; King Sugriva's monkey army to the left; three attendants behind him, possibly his avatars in the form of Rama, the one holding a bow and fly-whisk; Krishna, the one with green skin like the main god, holding the parasol; and Lakshmana, Rama's brother, to the far right holding another fly-whisk; in the background, a templar complex and two winged cherubs dispensing blessed water from the sky, mounted and framed, 67.5cm x 52cm including the frame.

Dimensions: 67.5cm x 52cm including the frame