Cleveland Museum of Art

Goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati (verso), from a Kalighat album

Date: c. 1890
Medium: Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
Culture: Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat
Department: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Institution: Cleveland Museum of Art

This is a symmetrical painting of two goddesses, each standing on a lotus (symbolizing beauty and purity). Both are considered in Bengali folklore to be sisters and the daughters of the goddess Durga. Lakshmi, goddess of fortune, prosperity, and beauty, and wife of Vishnu, is holding an unfinished flower. Sarasvati, goddess of knowledge, learning, and patroness of the fine arts, is holding a stringed instrument, which represents refined training and education. Sarasvati is white skinned, signifying purity.

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