Born in 1885, Surendranath Ganguly is one of the most celebrated artists from Bengal. He became interested in art at the Government School of Art, Calcutta, under the mentorship of artists and visionaries such as EB Havell and Abanindranath Tagore. When the Indian Society of Oriental Art was established in 1907, it caught the attention of Surendranath Ganguly, and it was there that he discovered his artistic oeuvre.
In this painting, we can see Lord Shiva, along with Goddess Parvati, sitting in his lap, looking at each other with love and admiration. In the backdrop can be seen Mount Kailash, which is said to be the home of Lord Shiva. There is this almost dreamlike feel to the painting that adds to the intimacy of the scene, and when we compare the background with the subject, we see that while the two entities in the foreground are extremely close, engrossed in each other, the background is empty, almost blank, giving the viewer a feeling that love and companionship can blur out other worldly desires.
Shiva and Parvati appear to be an embrace only lovers can relate to. It’s simple and beautiful. The crescent shape above them, which looks like the moon upside down; or rather a cage over their love to keep it private and safe. The home shows the peace and lotus purity in their love.
