Thanjavur Paintings

A classical South Indian style of painting getting its name from the Thanjavur (present day Tanjore) region of India are characterized by simple iconic composition, vivid colours and glistering gold foils over laid on extensive gesso work. These are inlayed with glass beads and semi-precious stones. These essentially serve as devotional icons; the subjects of most paintings are Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints. Episodes from the Puranas, Sthala-puranas and several other religious texts were visualized, sketched or traced and painted keeping it as the central theme.