The artwork titled “Sri Shanmukaha Subramania Swami,” crafted by the esteemed artist Raja Ravi Varma, belongs to the Academicism art movement and falls within the genre of mythological painting.
The artwork portrays Sri Shanmukha Subramania Swami, an important deity in Hindu mythology. The deity is depicted with six faces and twelve arms, each holding different weapons and symbols, signifying his power and divine attributes. He stands majestically at the center, flanked by peacock feathers forming an exquisite, iridescent backdrop. The peacock, an important symbol associated with the deity, is prominently positioned at the bottom center, stomping on a serpent, which adds a dynamic and dramatic element to the composition. The detailed and vibrant depiction is characteristic of Raja Ravi Varma’s acclaimed style, bringing forth the intricate and divine essence of the mythological figure in a manner that is both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually evocative.
