The Ashthamatrkas

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Gallery 327, Asian Art, third floor (Wood Gallery)

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The Ashthamatrkas

Late 18th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

This page is an illustration from a copy of the Devimahatmya, the most important text related to the worship of the Great Goddess Durga. This painting depicts the Ashthamatrakas, eight “mother” goddesses who are more martial than maternal. They are emanations of Durga; each displays the characteristics of one of the male gods from whom Durga herself was created (with the exception of Kali, who is Durga’s own fierce energy).

Gallery 327, Asian Art, third floor (Wood Gallery)

Object Details

Title:

The Ashthamatrkas
Page from a dispersed series of the Devi Mahatmya

Date:

Late 18th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor with gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 5 1/4 × 2 1/4 inches (13.3 × 5.7 cm) Sheet: 6 3/8 × 3 1/2 inches (16.2 × 8.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-407

Geography:

Made in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India, Asia

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Gallery 327, Asian Art, third floor (Wood Gallery)

Main Building

Museum map

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