Ranganathan Swami - Reclining Vishnu with Sridevi, Bhudevi, Hanuman and Garuda 1960s

Thanjavur painting, also known as Tanjore art, is a classical
South Indian art form originating from the Thanjavur
(Tanjore) region in Tamil Nadu, renowned for its opulent
gold-embellished figures, jewel-like encrustations, and
devotional themes rooted in Hindu mythology. Emerging
during the Nayak and Maratha dynasties (16th-19th
centuries), it blends painting with sculpture, adorning
temple walls, palaces, and wooden panels with vibrant
tempera colors, semi-precious stones, and gold leaf,
symbolizing divine splendor and royal patronage.
Predominantly crafted by artisan families, it transitioned
from architectural embellishments to portable
masterpieces, gaining global acclaim for its intricate
craftsmanship and spiritual resonance. While historically
created for shrines and sacred spaces, the tradition
continues today as a revered form of religious and artistic
expression