Amongst various
schools and styles of paintings prevalent in India, Thanjavur paintings have earned a
distinct place for their richness in colour and use of trans-media. This exciting and
ornate workmanship of the Thanjavur School of Art in Southern India is rooted in the
fecund and turbulent Vijaynagar era under the 18th century Maratha kings who
commissioned these paintings.Gesso, gold leaf and jewel work on wooden boards are still
thriving as workshop craft in the towns of Tiruchirapalli and Thanjavur, both in Tamil
Nadu. The main subjects of study in these paintings are the images of Vaisnavite deities,
especially the plump and mischievous baby Balakrishna, the child Krishna. This
depiction of Krishna is quite different than the depiction found in north India. Of
separate origin are the paintings on glass, Mica and Ivory.
Painting on glass, thought to have been inspired by contact with China, is an
interesting process. This intricate process involves painting the glass surface on the
reverse side. The details such as facial features are painted first and the background is
colored last. What comes out is a flat, but expressive imagery. Irrespective to the
content of these paintings –secular or religious –the Thanjavur School is
vigorous and popular.
Amongst various
schools and styles of paintings prevalent in India, Thanjavur paintings have earned a
distinct place for their richness in colour and use of trans-media. This exciting and
ornate workmanship of the Thanjavur School of Art in Southern India is rooted in the
fecund and turbulent Vijaynagar era under the 18th century Maratha kings who
commissioned these paintings.
