Calcutta Art Studio Lithograph
Region / Date
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India
ca. 1878–1883
From the folio “Fifteen Hindu Pictures”
Key Features
This elegant lithograph portrays Saraswati, the eternal embodiment of wisdom, learning, and refined artistic expression. Revered across traditions, Saraswati represents the flow of knowledge (vidya) and the sacred harmony of sound, speech, and intellect.
Seated gracefully upon a white lotus rising from a tranquil pond, she symbolizes purity, clarity, and the unfolding of consciousness. Her serene white complexion and gold-trimmed attire reflect sattva-the quality of balance, illumination, and truth.
Resting upon her shoulder is the veena, the divine instrument that signifies cosmic vibration and the rhythm of creation. In her lap, she holds a bundle of palm-leaf manuscripts, representing sacred knowledge, scriptures, and the continuity of learning across generations.
At her feet stands her celestial vehicle, the swan (hamsa)-a profound symbol of discernment (viveka), the ability to separate truth from illusion. One foot rests upon the swan and the other upon a lotus, reinforcing her balance between wisdom and transcendence.
The surrounding landscape blends lush greenery, calm waters, and distant mountains—subtly evoking the spiritual realms associated with Shiva, and grounding Saraswati within the cosmic order of divine knowledge.
Rendered in delicate hand-coloring, this artwork reflects the refined aesthetic of 19th-century Calcutta lithography, where devotional imagery meets subtle naturalism. The gentle tonal transitions, intricate ornamentation, and balanced composition make it a timeless representation of Saraswati’s शांत (serene) presence.
Museum-Grade Poster Details
Size: 18 × 24 inches
Paper: 350 GSM archival matte paper
Print Quality: High-resolution reproduction preserving lithographic texture and watercolor tones
Finish: Non-glare museum matte finish
Ideal For: Study rooms, creative studios, educational spaces, meditation corners, and collectors
Why You’ll Love It
A serene and inspiring depiction of Saraswati-perfect for inviting clarity, creativity, and intellectual growth into your space.
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Bring home the divine presence of Goddess Saraswati, the source of knowledge, music, and wisdom.
Available in 18 × 24 inches, with framed and unframed options, exclusively at The Soma Store.