www.indianminiaturepaintings.co.uk

Enter GALLERIES to browse paintings, etc.

Manuscript illustration: Vishnu reclines on the many-headed serpent Sheshanaga, Brahma created appears from his navel, Lakshmi massages his feet. Kashmir, circa 18th century. 7.9 x 12.9cm

Condition: the paper has aged, with browning and becoming brittle, causing cracks.  These are particularly evident at the upper left corner which has been re-attached, and a small triangular section which is missing from the immediate left of the apex of the shape containing Brahma.  Vishnu's face has suffered flaking as has his body, with lighter layers of blue pigment showing.  There is surface wear and rubbing.  The reverse shows the layers of paper which made up this folio have separated and in parts been patched, by the similarity of tone and colour a considerable time ago.  A white strip along the top edge is paper mounting tape which must have fastened the picture to a relatively modern album page.