South India, Tanjore, late 19th century to c. 1920. Painted with gouache on a silk mounted wood board, applied with gesso, gold color and inset with colored glass. The upper section depicting Ranganatha Vishnu beneath the doomed structure of a temple, he reclines on his right side on the coils of the seven hooded Naga, his right hand beneath his head and his left arm hangs loosely at his side, he wears a dhoti, and an angavastra (shawl) draped over his shoulders. Below is a depiction of the seven headed Narasimha (Man-lion) engaged in ripping open the belly of his blue-skinned opponent with two of his numerous hands, the others holding various attributes. All framed by smaller figures of deities, attendants, and worshippers.

Condition: Good condition with some wear and crackling to gilt, minor flakes to the paint and losses to the silk along the borders.
Provenance: Croatian Private collection.

Dimensions: Size 66 x 50.5 cm

Auction result comparison: Compare a related Tanjore panel at Bonhams London, Islamic and Indian Art Online Sale on 20-28 October 2022, lot 177, sold for GBP 2,550.