Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

This print represents the holy trinity (trimurti) of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. These three deities personify the cosmic aspects of creation (Brahma), preservation (Vishnu) and destruction (Shiva). In the mid-20th century, one of the most successful and prolific publishers of devotional prints was S.S. Brijbasi and Sons. The studio was founded by two brothers, Shrinathdasji and Shyamsunderlal Brijbasi in 1922 in the pilgrimage town of Nathdwara. In Brijbasi’s prints, the deities often look directly at the viewer in an iconic glance (this direct encounter between deity and worshipper is referred to as darshan). Unlike Ravi Varma’s prints, figures in Brijbasi’s work tend to be static images to be worshipped rather than portrayed in dynamic action within a narrative setting. The frame suggests the print was hung in a domestic setting.