Ganapati with his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi

Ganesha, the elephant-head son of Shiva and Parvati, is worshipped by all Hindus as the protector of those embarking on new ventures, be they businesses, students or travelers. All public events and performances begin with a homage to Lord Ganesha to secure his boon of success. In this richly colored impression Ganesha is depicted enthroned on an elaborate architectural throne-seat, embracing his two beloved consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi. The artist Ravi Varma honors Ganesha with all the necessary regalia of crown, parasol, and female attendants with fly-whisk fans. His crown is framed by a nimbus of peacock feathers. The detailing of the jewel encrusted gold crown and necklace are amongst the finest known in the print art of this period and the especially rich inking of this impression has further enhanced their tactile beauty. His corpulent body signals his likely origins as an ancient nature deity (yaksha), an association all but forgotten in modern Hinduism.