Within the spacious precinct of a temple stands the gorgeous Devi Lakshmi. She is clad in a richly embroidered saree, which is made of gold-inlaid gessowork. The metallic inlay is densely embedded with coloured stones that resemble rubies and emeralds. Her fair feet contrast sharply with the ancient carmine floors of the temple.
There is a strong element of the organic in this painting. The mass of white and pink blooms with which the Devi is garlanded. The full-bloom lotuses in Her posterior hands (indispensable to Lakshmi’s iconography). The tall banana trees on each side of the temple entrance, indicative of the presence of Lord Ganesha, considered in many cultures to be Her sibling.
The interesting thing about this Tanjore painting is that it is replete with a world of detail surrounding the central theme. Flowers strewn around Her feet, lamps and the pooja kalasha and a vessel of gold coins between them. Windows on either side of Her which, together with the door, are made using the same solid gold embellishment.
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