Kali Trampling Shiva | Raja Ravi Varma | 1910

This painting, titled Kali trampling Shiva, was created circa 1900 by the famous Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906). It portrays the Hindu goddess Kali in a fierce and awe-inspiring form, often referred to as the "goddess of destruction."

In the image, Kali is depicted with dark blue or black skin, adorned with a garland of severed heads, symbolizing the destruction of ego. She holds a bloody sword in one of her four arms and a freshly decapitated head in another. Kali's expression is fierce, with her tongue sticking out, often interpreted as a gesture of humility and fierce energy. She is trampling upon the figure of Shiva, her consort, who lies beneath her feet to stop her rampage. This scene reflects the mythological narrative where Kali's destructive dance threatens the universe, and Shiva intervenes to bring her back to calmness.

This portrayal by Ravi Varma emphasizes the duality of creation and destruction, a key theme in Hinduism. The vivid and detailed depiction of the goddess, alongside the rich symbolism, showcases Ravi Varma's ability to blend traditional Indian themes with a European-influenced style of realism, making the scene both spiritually potent and artistically significant.

Frame:

Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age.

All framed prints feature our premium fine art paper. This is a museum-quality paper which reproduces photography and artworks with exceptional tonality and renders sharp details with consistent flatness and accuracy.

Print: 

For the matted / mounted prints we use a thick 1.4mm window mount cut from premium, textured mountboard. All mounts are "conservation grade", FSC certified, 100% acid free, and will not discolour or fade with age.

• Simple, elegant design
• Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface
• Handmade by specialist picture framers
• FSC certified off-white mat / window mount
• Delivered ready for hanging