Design Resource
Thanjavur Painting
The Art of Painting with Gemstone
by
Amruthalakshmi Rajagopalan, Anisha Crasto, and J. Antony William
Products
Vaishnavite themes in Thanjavur paintings developed during the Nayak period. The most popular themes include:
Vennai Thali Krishnan (Krishna with a pot of butter)
Ramar Pattabishegam (The crowning of King Rama)
Saraswati and Gaja Lakshmi (Lakshmi flanked by elephants)
Royal portraits were also painted in this style. The traditional/puranic themes are the most sought after. Some recent paintings by Shambaji Rajah Bhosle feature Gods and Goddesses who were not traditionally portrayed in this style including Chandramukeshwar, Shiva-Parvati and Bhooma Devi and the 108 Bharatanattiyam poses of Shiva. These paintings have been visualized after a rigorous study of narratives in the Puranas. Today, artists undertake family portrait orders and the occasional recreation of a famous Ravi Varma painting in Thanjavur oviyam style. Apart from paintings the artisans also make idols of god and goddesses.
