Ganesha with Siddhi & Buddhi

Seated, standing or dancing, images of the elephant-headed deity have stimulated a special creativity. His portly and often stunted body has received a powerful modeling of form that imbues his icons with life and movement.

Painted in oil on a magnificent scale, this canvas shows Ganesha seated on a throne with Siddhi and Buddhi, his consorts perched on either side of his wide lap. Ganesha is adorned with a rich diadem topped by a row of peacock feathers. In his neck, he wears several strings of pearls, seen here together with his sacred thread. He holds both the consorts lovingly in his fold, while curving his trunk to caress Buddhi seated on his left. Both consorts look dignified and demure seated with their Lord.

The throne that houses the three is wide with stunted pillars on either side and a parasol at the back that shades Ganesha. Two chauri-bearers stand on either side.

The artist has subliminally elevated the commonly depicted theme to the domination of art in a manner at once impressive and pleasing.

This description by Renu Rana.