Bidspirit auction | Large painting depicting the Darshan

Large painting depicting the Darshan at the Nathdwara shrine (Gwal Darshan) - Large painting depicting the Darshan at the Nathdwara shrine (Gwal Darshan) Northern India, early 19th century Depicting a darshan scene at the famous Nathdwara shrine dedicated to Shri Nathji, the infant incarnation of the god Krishna. The painting illustrates the ritual vision of the deity (gwal darshan), represented in the centre in an elevated position and surrounded by officiating priests, musicians, devotees and dignitaries in the act of veneration. The composition is punctuated by temple architecture, dense decorative elements and brilliant colours with extensive use of opaque pigments and gilding that embellish the details of the robes, ornaments and ceremonial apparatus. The size of the painting suggests a public or paraliturgical use, perhaps as a ritual display object or votive gift. For a comparative exemplar, see Madhuvanti Ghose, Gate of the Lord: The Tradition of Krishna Paintings, Yale University Press, 2015, cat. no. 19, p. 83. Provenance: Central Italy collection. Cm 42x29.5