Lord Narasimha with Lakshmi Depicted in Kalighat Folk Art

This powerful Kalighat painting on cloth and paper vividly represents a sacred Vaishnavite theme, rendered in the unmistakable Kalighat folk style of 19th-century Bengal. The painting depicts Lord Narasimha, the fierce lion-headed incarnation of Lord Vishnu, shown in a protective and divine stance, while Goddess Lakshmi is seated serenely on a blooming lotus below him. The contrast between Narasimhas intense, guardian-like presence and Lakshmis calm, benevolent expression creates a deeply symbolic and visually striking composition. Flanking the central deity are two female attendants holding ceremonial flywhisks, reinforcing the divine status of the figures and lending rhythmic balance to the artwork. The arched shrine-like frame, stylized waves, and floating lotus leaves at the bottom add layers of narrative and spiritual meaning, symbolizing purity, cosmic order, and divine protection. Bold black outlines, flat areas of color, and expressive facial features are classic Kalighat traits, designed to convey emotion and meaning with immediacy rather than realism. Executed using traditional hand-applied pigments on cloth backed with paper, the painting reflects the skill and storytelling sensibility of Kalighat patuas (artists). Every element from the exaggerated eyes to the ornate crown and jewelry, serves a symbolic purpose rooted in Hindu mythology. This artwork is both a devotional image and a cultural artifact, embodying the transition of Kalighat art from temple souvenirs to collectible folk masterpieces.

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