Shiva en Parvati op berg 1830

This watercolor painting depicts Shiva and Parvati on a mountain, surrounded by other deities. Note Shiva's serene posture atop a tiger pelt, his gaze both inward and outward, reflective of his ascetic and worldly roles. This recalls the ancient motif of the animal skin, seen across cultures, from Dionysus' panther skin to the shamanic bear hides, symbolizing a taming of primal instincts. Shiva transforms the ferocious tiger into a symbol of controlled energy. Here, the tiger pelt beneath him is not just a seat but a statement of mastery. Consider the inclusion of Ganesh and the sacred cow, each carrying layers of meaning within Hinduism, and their gestures. These aren't static symbols, but dynamic carriers of cultural memory. They represent the cyclical nature of time, where symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings. It's an interplay between the conscious and subconscious, connecting us to perennial human experiences.