c. 1820
Shiva Incinerates Kama, Lord of Desire (Madana Bhasma)
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Engaged in eternal lovemaking to the goddess Parvati, Shiva ignores the other gods’ pleas for his help in subduing a powerful demon. Illustrated here is the moment when the couple is interrupted by the gods, causing Shiva to spill his seed into the fire and resulting in the conception of their son Karttikeya. The dark palette with extreme light and shadow emphasizes the intimacy and drama of the scene. A single, gently leaning tree protects the figures from the elements but also isolates them from the mountaintop palaces in the distant background.
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