Thanjavur Paintings - The Art of Divinity

Thanjavur paintings are famous for their bright & vibrant colors and esteemed design. The shining gold foils, delicate but sound gesso work, and precious or semi-precious gems add unmatched beauty to the painting. These art creations fill your home with blessings and auspiciousness as you bring various Gods and Goddess Tanjore Paintings.


Tanjore painting style is a classic and magnificent portrait type emanating from South India. This painting type has origins connected to the rule of the Chola dynasty in the 16th century. The majestic artwork elicits a sense of dignity and timelessness with its captivating drawings of Puranic stages. The most common compositions include Lord Krishna Painting, Lakshmi Tanjore paintings, Ganesh Tanjore paintings, etc.


Tanjore paintings have immense demand for decorating both your home and workplace. These paintings are excellent for adorning your pooja spaces, living rooms, and workplaces. The art masterpieces also make for perfect gift ideas to offer your adored ones for any occasion. Let's explore the fascinating attributes of Tanjore paintings.


    God & Goddess Paintings


Prime Aspects of Tanjore Paintings


Tanjore Paintings refer to a traditional south Indian art form developed in Thanjavur or Tanjore in Tamilnadu, south India. This age-old art design traces its conception to the 16th century, in the capital of the former Chola kingdom. It is widespread among modern Indian artists for presenting their creative propensity and fondness.


Tanjore Paintings refer to a traditional south Indian art form developed in Thanjavur or Tanjore in Tamilnadu, south India. This age-old art design traces its conception to the 16th century, in the capital of the former Chola kingdom.


In 2008, the Government of India recognized Tanjore's painting as Geographical Identity. It is widespread among modern Indian artists for presenting their creative propensity and fondness.

Most Thanjavur paintings visualize Hindu Gods and Goddesses and events from mythological books like Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.  Some artists also depict Jain, Sikh, and Muslim cultures in their paintings.


A standard Tanjore painting is composed of a primary figure and supporting objects from the event surrounding the main character. The main figure is usually a deity with a rounded face and oval-shaped eyes.


Each piece of the Tanjore painting is a masterwork of art. Skilled artists create these portraits with passion and embellish them with glimmering gold foils, carved glasses, semi-precious stones, and vibrant colors. The painting style is famed across the globe and is believed to be the heart of South Indian craftwork.


History and Various Patrons of Thanjavur paintings


Thanjavur holds a notable place in the history of Indian painting. It is home to the 11th-century creation of impressive Chola wall paintings. The outstanding artwork is still visible in the Brihadeeswarar temple. This unique style evolved under the patronage of the Vijayanagar Empire.


After the collapse of the Vijayanagar Empire and the destruction of Hampi in 1565 CE, some artists migrated to Thanjavur. They continued practicing the art under the custom of the Thanjavur Nayakas. This is why many paintings have a combined influence of Cholas and Nayakas.


Thereupon, the Marathas conquered the Thanjavur and encouraged the Thanjavur atelier. Consequently, the artists were fascinated by the local influences and the respective fondness of their Maratha patrons. It resulted in the evolution of the unique style of Thanjavur painting that we experience today.


Under Maratha's patronage, Tanjore artists decorated several temples with sacred portraits such as Vishni, Tanjore paintings, Shiva Tanjore paintings, Durga Tanjore paintings, etc. In addition to adorning temples, the artists also decorated several palaces, Chatrams, and houses of the Maratha rulers and elite persons.


Subsequently, The Tanjore artists came to the touch of Europeans. In 1498, Vasco da Gama landed on the Kalikut port in South India, resulting in the Portuguese patronage of the Tanjore art. Gradually the other Europeans, especially the British, heeded the path and tasked local artists to paint in the company style.


However, there was no specific technique to mark as the company style. The artists started creating large paintings in the Indo-European style on the themes like mythology, nature, culture, etc. Some of the popular compositions of that time were Saraswati Tanjore paintings, Rama Tanjore paintings, various fairs, animals, festivals, etc.


Conclusion


Tanjore paintings are characterized by their elegant portrayals of gods using rich colors and eye-catching adornments.  The use of gold foil provides an unmatched beauty to the paintings. Though the art form has experienced myriad modifications over time, it continues to retain its brilliance. It is equally popular among art lovers even today. Moreover, Tanjore motivates many artists with its indeed Indian style.


Tanjore paintings symbolize the blissful cultural masterpiece of South India. An authentic Tanjore painting contains natural, lively shades, glass beads, precious and semi-precious gems, and shining gold foil. The Tanjore craft is an absolute chef-d'oeuvre. These art pieces add a touch of majesty, beauty, and tradition to your home.
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