Calcutta Art Studio Lithograph
Region / Date
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India
ca. 1878–1883
From the folio “Fifteen Hindu Pictures”
Key Features
This serene and richly symbolic lithograph portrays Lakshmi, the divine embodiment of abundance, prosperity, and auspiciousness. Emerging from the ancient Vedic concept of Sri, Lakshmi represents the life-sustaining forces of fertility, nourishment, and harmony.
Seated gracefully upon a rocky outcrop, she overlooks a tranquil lotus-filled water body, with flourishing wheat fields stretching into the misty horizon. This landscape is not merely decorative-it is deeply symbolic. The water signifies life, purity, and renewal, while the ripened harvest evokes material prosperity and sustenance, affirming Lakshmi’s role as the nurturer of both spiritual and worldly well-being.
In her hands, she holds a sheaf of wheat and a golden vessel, reinforcing her association with agricultural abundance and the continuous flow of wealth. The vessel resembles a purna kumbha, a sacred symbol of fullness and благополучие, suggesting inexhaustible blessings.
At her side rests an owl (ulooka), her celestial vahana, representing wisdom and discernment-a subtle reminder that true prosperity must be guided by awareness and right judgment.
The foreground is adorned with an array of seashells and aquatic motifs, likely inspired by European natural history illustrations. This fusion of Indian devotional iconography with colonial-era artistic influences reflects the unique aesthetic of 19th-century Calcutta print culture, where tradition met global visual language.
Rendered with delicate hand-coloring and tonal depth, the composition evokes both devotional reverence and pastoral tranquility, making it a timeless representation of Lakshmi as the source of contentment, harmony, and flourishing life.
Museum-Grade Poster Details
Size: 18 × 24 inches
Paper: 350 GSM archival matte paper
Print Quality: High-resolution reproduction preserving lithographic texture and watercolor detailing
Finish: Non-glare museum matte finish
Ideal For: Homes, offices, meditation spaces, Diwali décor, and collectors of classical Indian art
Why You’ll Love It
A rare and graceful depiction of Lakshmi that blends devotional symbolism with natural abundance, perfect for inviting prosperity and calm into your space.
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Invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the eternal source of wealth, harmony, and fulfillment.
Available in 18 × 24 inches, with framed and unframed options, exclusively at The Soma Store.