Ardhanarishvara, from Voyage aux Indes et a la Chine by Pierre Sonnerat, engraved by Poisson, published 1782

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "Ardhanarishvara, from Voyage aux Indes et a la Chine by Pierre Sonnerat, engraved by Poisson, published 1782", originally brought to life by the talented Pierre Sonnerat. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Pierre Sonnerat and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

Ardhanarishvara is a composite androgynous form of the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati, representing the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe. The concept is vividly captured in an illustration from "Voyage aux Indes et a la Chine," a travel narrative by the French naturalist and explorer Pierre Sonnerat. Published in 1782, the work documents Sonnerat's observations during his travels in India and China between 1774 and 1781.

The illustration, engraved by Poisson, is a significant historical visual representation of Ardhanarishvara, reflecting the European encounter with and interpretation of Indian culture and religious iconography during the period of Enlightenment. Sonnerat's depiction is not only an important piece of art but also serves as an ethnographic record, providing insights into the religious practices and iconography of 18th-century India as seen through the eyes of a European traveler.

In the image, Ardhanarishvara is typically shown with the left half as the female Parvati and the right half as the male Shiva, symbolizing the inseparable nature of the feminine and masculine principles and the essential unity of existence. This portrayal by Sonnerat, as part of his broader work, contributes to the understanding of cross-cultural perceptions and the dissemination of knowledge about Hindu deities to a Western audience.

The inclusion of this illustration in Sonnerat's publication not only enriched the visual appeal of his travelogue but also marked a step in the scholarly and artistic engagement with the complex mythologies of India. It remains a valuable artifact for both art historians and scholars of religious studies, offering a glimpse into the ways in which Hindu deities were interpreted and presented to European readers in the late 18th century.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.