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Men with Fireworks

c. 1730-1740
Artist/maker unknown, Indian
Men dressed as laborers race about a dark ground, swirling wands of gold-sparking fireworks to create a dazzling pattern. In India, fireworks are most popularly set off during Diwali, the festival of lights that celebrates the end of the rainy season and honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In the eighteenth century, fireworks were also used to control temperamental elephants. Whatever the subject, the small square shape of this painting is unusual; it was most likely cut from a larger composition.

Object Details

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