Opaque pigments, gold leaf, and sukka (limestone paste) on cloth stretched over wood. Depicting Shiva Nataraja performing his cosmic dance atop the dwarf under a gold mandap, accompanied by Bhu Devi and surrounded by devotees.

Provenance: From a private collection in Vienna, Austria, acquired in 1996.
Condition: Fine condition with minor wear, creasing, minor losses, flaking, staining, few tears, and small touchups. The wood with expected age cracks.

Dimensions: Image size 45 x 35.8 cm, Size incl. frame 46.3 x 37.5 cm

Shivanataraja, Shiva as Lord of the Dance, is considered as the creator of the universe and dances the world into existence. At the same time, he is also its destroyer. Much symbolism is attached to this specific form of Shiva. His drum stands for the creation of the world. His open palm protects human beings while his downward stretched hand symbolizes the solace of the world. His other hand holds the fire standing for the dissolution of the world. The dwarf on whom he tramples represents ignorance and the large flaming aureole the cosmos.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related painting of Shiva Nataraja, late 19th century, 52.1 × 41.3 cm, in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, accession number 2009-208-3.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's London, 28 April 2017, lot 386
Price: GBP 5,250 or approx. EUR 8,600 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An icon of Shiva Nataraja, Tanjore, South India, late 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject and bright colors. Note the larger size (75.6 x 61 cm).