The Goddess dances

The artwork called The Goddess Dances (or Dancing Bhadrakali, Venerated by the Gods) shows the dark-skinned Great Goddess Bhadrakali engaged in a cosmic dance. The artwork is characterized by the typical early era Basohli style in which the four arms of the Goddess stand dynamically in the lotus pedestal dressed in ornated skirt adorned with beautiful jewellery and garland. The Goddess is shown to be holding weapons and other sacred elements including sword and kapala (a cup made from skull). On the right side of the Goddess there is a small idol of some worshipping Hindu Gods, such as Brahma (the God with 4 heads), Vishnu (the God with blue skin), Siva, and Indra (the king of Gods) bowing down and praying to Goddess Bhadrakal. Mustard yellow colour helps paining attain significance characteristic of 17th century Pahari painting style. This artwork is attributed to Kripal (also referred to as Kripal of Nurpur or the Master of the Early Rasamanjari series), who was an early Pahari maestro from about 1660 to 1690. Here, the eye-catching monochrome background with shades of yellow separates the characters from their surroundings and provides a striking contrast to the dark complexion of Bhadrakali as well as the different skin tones of the deities. The figures are illustrated with big eyes in the shape of almonds which stretch to the temples, expressive faces, and accurate features. The artist uses whites on the upper side and paints the pearls and semi-precious stones, and uses great paint volumes as well. This painting is an early Tantric Devi or Devi Mahatmya series and was created to highlight the power of the Mother Goddess over the universe.