Private collection / present location not publicly identified
Location History:
Created in Bengal around 1920 → held in a private collection in Kolkata → offered at Prinseps Modern Art Auction, Mumbai, on 2 October 2023, Lot 27; present ownership/location is not publicly identified.
Shiva Parvati is a painting by an extraordinary self-taught artist called Sunayani Devi, representing the Bengal School tradition. Her work presents a scene with Hindu gods Shiva and Parvati sitting close to each other in a simplistic manner. Sunayani Devi portrays the divine couple in her unique stylized way, not trying to depict all of the intricate details that Mughal or traditional artists might add to such a painting. Both of the gods are portrayed from the front side with calm and serene facial expressions, surrounded by white oval-shaped halos. Shiva is dressed in a grayish color garment, whereas Parvati wears yellow and red clothing, being a bit more vibrant and calmer simultaneously. Their jewellery and attire are depicted in detail with delicate decorative patterns and lines. The background also has some white areas blended with dark blue-gray colors and clouds, framing the main subjects of the drawing and making it more noticeable.
Sunayani Devi’s paintings and drawings are mostly inspired by Indian folklore and mythological legends. She portrays the gods with simplistic and rounded faces, paying special attention to the eyes and using muted colors for her works. In her paintings, she manages to capture the true essence of the gods’ personalities and emotions, making each stroke of the brush meaningful and well-planned. Shiva Parvati, in particular, depicts a calm and harmonious relationship between the gods, showcasing their intimate moments. The painting also represents the artist’s ability to portray religious subjects in a simplistic and accessible manner while maintaining the essential symbolism and meanings. The piece was created with watercolor/tempera on paper, which makes it possible to see all of the delicate strokes and spots of colors added by the artist. Shiva Parvati, as well as other works by Sunayani Devi, have been showcased in different art exhibitions around the world. In particular, the drawing was presented in the UK within the framework of the Painting Freedom: Tagore, Jamini and Hemen – India’s Modernist Rebels exhibition at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery in 2021.
I interpret Sunayani Devi’s Shiva Parvati as a representation of divine love, harmony, and companionship. Rather than presenting Shiva and Parvati as distant or powerful gods, she shows them sitting closely together with calm expressions, making their relationship feel peaceful and intimate.
The simple, rounded forms and muted colours give the painting a gentle and dreamlike quality. The oval halos around the figures identify their divine nature, while their carefully painted clothing and jewellery retain important elements of traditional Indian imagery. Parvati’s brighter clothing creates a subtle contrast with Shiva’s more subdued appearance, helping distinguish the two figures while keeping the composition balanced.
The background of clouds and darker blue-grey tones further emphasizes the peaceful mood. I think the simplicity of the painting is particularly meaningful because Sunayani Devi does not rely on elaborate details to communicate the importance of the gods. Instead, she focuses on their expressions, posture, and relationship.
Overall, the painting represents the balance between Shiva and Parvati and the idea that divinity can also be expressed through love, companionship, and emotional harmony. It also demonstrates Sunayani Devi’s distinctive approach to Indian mythology, where traditional subjects are transformed into simple, personal, and emotionally expressive images.
