Thanjavur Painting
Vaishnavite themes in Thanjavur paintings developed during the Nayak period. The most popular themes include:
Vennai Thali Krishnan (Krishna with a pot of butter)
Ramar Pattabishegam (The crowning of King Rama)
Saraswati and Gaja Lakshmi (Lakshmi flanked by elephants)
Royal portraits were also painted in this style. The traditional/puranic themes are the most sought after. Some recent paintings by Shambaji Rajah Bhosle feature Gods and Goddesses who were not traditionally portrayed in this style including Chandramukeshwar, Shiva-Parvati and Bhooma Devi and the 108 Bharatanattiyam poses of Shiva. These paintings have been visualized after a rigorous study of narratives in the Puranas. Today, artists undertake family portrait orders and the occasional recreation of a famous Ravi Varma painting in Thanjavur oviyam style. Apart from paintings the artisans also make idols of god and goddesses.
