c. 1830

A Holy Man from Devgarh

The artist has lovingly illustrated all the important features of this Brahmin priest. Every detail-from his tonsured head to the vertical, white marks on his forehead that indicate his allegiance to Vishnu-identifies his calling. He rests his thick, hairy arms on a short staff with carved bird-head handles. His traditional pink-orange wrap accentuates rather than hides the curves of his portly body. The inscription identifies the priest as coming from Devgarh (Deogarh), a small principality west of Kota.