Cleveland Museum of Art

Annapurna and Shiva

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

Goddess Annapurna (She of Plenteous Food) is depicted being supplicated by Shiva, seen as an ascetic who seeks alms from her. Seated on a throne she places food (possibly rice) in Shiva’s bowl with a spoon held in her right hand. Even Shiva is dependent on her for nourishment and food. A mendicant’s bag is hung on Shiva’s right shoulder.

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