Shiva en Parvati 1810

This painting of Shiva and Parvati was made anonymously, with opaque watercolor on paper. The artist demonstrates incredible skill in rendering fine detail and intricate patterns. But let’s consider the materiality of this work. The pigments would have been carefully sourced and ground, the paper meticulously prepared. The artist would need access to these resources, as well as the time to execute such a careful composition. We can think about the labor required to produce this delicate artwork. The painting isn't simply an image, but an object that embodies social and cultural significance through its skilled craftsmanship. This piece prompts us to consider the value we place on artistic skill, and how we often separate "fine art" from the realms of craft and labor.