Mahabharata – Karna
KARNA
Karna, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, the first son of Kunti and son of Surya – the sun god, was given up by his mother at birth. Raised by charioteers, tragedy followed him from an early age and his lifelong loyalty to Duryodhana clouded his judgement on many occasions. He was known for his courage, generosity and righteousness.
In this artwork Karna, the great hero, is covered with gold. His chariot is stuck to the ground in the midst of the battle due to the terrible course. The tension in the figure, the pride in the eyes, the glitter of the armour, the tragically mired chariot: the plastic use of pictorial matter raises the painting from a mere narrative intent to an intense expressive level.
£ 155.00 – £ 680.00
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Mahabharata – The Choice
£ 160.00 – £ 790.00 BUYIt is the eve of the great battle of Kurukshetra, when the whole Mahabharata epic is about to be resolved. Sitting on His bed, Krishna announces that He is not going to side with either opponent. He leaves them the choice as to whether to incorporate his powerful personal army into their ranks, or to have Him alone, unarmed and in a secondary role.
Duryodhana, chief of the Kurus, has no hesitation in picking Krishna’s army, where as the Panadavas only desire was to have their dear friend Govinda, Krishna on their side. They are fully convinced that His mere presence on their side will ensure them final victory.
So it is, that Krishna accepts the humble role of driver of Arjuna’s chariot, and thus comes to be known as Parthasarathi.
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Mahabharata – Save my Honour
£ 160.00 – £ 770.00 BUYOf all the events in the Pandava’s lives, this must be one of the lowest.
Right after having lost the Kingdom and Draupadi’s dignity at the dice contest the Pandavas went into exile in the forest. Krishna saved her honour, by performing a miracle. He provided her unlimited fabric of her sari to prevent her from being disrobed in public.
The nocturnal setting and the light cutting through the darkness, in this moving artwork, contributes to enhance the drama. Krishna consoles Draupadi promising her that everything will be remedied. The desperate face of the woman right in front of the self-effulgent blue God. King Yudhishthira on the right side is the most afflicted, feeling guilty for the big defeat. The painting is in continuity with the “Pandavas were cheated” artwork.
This is the moment when the idea of war mounts seriously although they continued for another 13 year in exile.
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Mahabharata – Kunti and Draupadi
£ 160.00 – £ 795.00 BUYAn intimate simplicity characterises the meeting between Mother Kunti and Draupadi. The painting is devoid of any decorative superfluity. Light is the protagonist of this painting. Taking vantage of the plot in which the Pandavas and their Mother Kunti are in disguise as Brahmanas. They were dressed simply and in white. The white drapery dominates all the lighting, framing the rich black regal sari of Princess Draupadi.
Although Maharaja Draupada’s daughter was elegantly dressed she submits herself to the role of respecting her future mother in law. She was promised to be the wife of the five Pandava brothers, but first she needed to be accepted by their mother!