The Goddess dances
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Gouache |
| Current Location: | Museum Rietberg World Art in Zurich, Switzerland |
| Location History: | Ascribed to the Master of the Early Rasamanjari series (c. 1660-70). Collection of Barbara and Eberhard Fischer, on loan to the Museum Rietberg Zürich Goddess - The Divine Female in Hindu and Buddhist Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2000, 13.10.2006–28.01.2007 Masters of Indian Painting, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY 10028, 26.09.2011–08.01.2012 Wonder of the Age: Master Painters of India, 1100–1900, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY 10028, 27.09.2011–08.01.2012 |
I understand this painting as a visual representation of the divine energy of Bhadrakali and the devotion between the goddess and the gods near her. The main figure takes over the picture because of her skin many arms, fancy jewelry, weapons and lively dancing stance. The strong yellow background takes the scene out of a world and makes it feel almost magical around the goddess. The gods next to her show their respect and admiration through actions of worship. The Smithsonian says this piece is part of the Tantric Devi series and the matching verse talks about Bhadrakali as a goddess who dances happily and is respected by the gods. For me the painting shows power as something that moves, strong and full of energy not quiet or still. I really like the difference between the lines and the strong movement of the goddess. The bright colors, jewelry and expressive eyes make the image look both pretty and full of meaning. I also think the small size of the gods, near Bhadrakali is important because it shows her role and power. In the end the painting shares the idea that the Goddesss the main source of holy power while the other gods are just watching and honoring that power.