THE LIBERATION OF GAJENDRA MOKSHA

Description

The Liberation (MOKSHA) of Gajendra is a Puranic legend from the 8th Skandha of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, a sacred book in Hinduism. Vishnu comes down to Earth to save Gajendra from the crocodile, Makara, and grants him liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Gajendra achieves a divine form and returns with Vishnu to Vaikuntha, his celestial abode.

MYSORE SCHOOL OF ART

Mysore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting that originated in and around the town of Mysore in Karnataka encouraged and nurtured by the Mysore rulers. The distinct school of Mysore painting evolved from the paintings of Vijayanagar times during the reign of the Vijayanagar Kings (1336-1565 AD). The rulers of Vijayanagar encouraged literature, art, architecture, religious and philosophical discussions. 

Mysore Paintings are characterized by delicate lines, intricate brush strokes, graceful delineation of figures and the discreet use of bright vegetable colours and lustrous gold leaf. More than mere decorative pieces, the paintings are designed to inspire feelings of devotion and humility in the viewer. The painter’s individual skill in giving expression to various emotions is therefore of paramount importance to this style of painting. Gesso work was the hallmark of all traditional paintings of Karnataka. Gesso refers to the paste mixture of white lead powder, gambose and glue which is used as an embossing material and covered with gold foil. The gesso work in Mysore paintings is low in relief and intricate as compared to the thick gold relief work of the Tanjore School. Gesso was used in Mysore painting for depicting intricate designs of clothes, jewellery and architectural details on pillars and arches that usually framed the deities.