Parashurama, Rama with the Battle Ax

1946

Not on view

A large-scale religious work from Srimati’s early period, Parashurama depicts the sixth avatar of Vishnu. In this vengeful form Vishnu aimed to save the world from the tyranny of the aristocratic warrior class (ksatriya) and rid it of those rulers who neglect their sacred duties as kings. The mighty figure of Parashurama is seated as an ascetic on a tiger skin with his raised arm propped on a mendicant’s arm support. His brow is knotted as he looks angrily upon the world and fixes his stern gaze upon his weapon, a battle ax. Rolling storm clouds fill the background, contributing to the violent ugra mood of this painting.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Parashurama, Rama with the Battle Ax
Artist: Y. G. Srimati (Indian, 1926–2007)
Date: 1946
Culture: India (Chennai)
Medium: Watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Image: 19 7/8 x 13 1/4 in. (50.5 x 33.7 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2009
Object Number: 2009.103
Rights and Reproduction: © 2009 M. Pellettieri
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Y. G. Srimati

In the same medium

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Eklavya Practicing Archery before an Icon of Dronacharya, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — Eklavya Practicing Archery before an Icon of Dronacharya
Y. G. Srimati
ca. 1945–46

The Bullock Cart, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — The Bullock Cart
Y. G. Srimati
ca. 1950

Woman with Medallion, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Transparent and opaque watercolor, and graphite on paper, India (Chennai) — Woman with Medallion
Y. G. Srimati
early 1940s

Young Woman in Dressing Room, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — Young Woman in Dressing Room
Y. G. Srimati
early 1940s

Vishvarupa, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — Vishvarupa
Y. G. Srimati
1961

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