PICCHAVAI DEPICTING SRINATHJI BEING WORSHIPPED DURING THE FESTIVAL OF ANNAKUT INDIA, NATHDWARA, 19TH CENTURY

the painting depicting the worship of Shrinathji in his shrine at Nathdwara in Rajasthan, the deity being worshipped during the festival of annakuta with mounds of food placed before the image

Acquired late 1970's/early 1980's; thence by descent.

Fairly good overall condition. Light abrasions throughout image and colors faded on the borders, all clearly seen in the catalogue illustration. Some holes at the lower border. The painting is laid down on a red cloth. Framed.
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The panting depicts the worship of Shrinathji in his shrine at Nathdawara in Rajasthan.

Here we see Damodarji II, the principal priest at Nathdwara from 1797-1826, worshipping Shrinathji during an annakuta (mountain of food) ceremony. The ceremony also commemorates the Sapta Swarupotsava or incorporation of all the seven major idols of Shrinathji within the main shrine at Nathadwara, which are shown around the principal deity in the painting.

Compare with another picchavai depicting the same subject illustrated in Amit Ambalal, Krishna as Shrinathji, 1987, p. 66. Also see Sotheby's New York, September 19, 2008, lot 250 for a smaller painting of the same subject.