Mysore & Tanjore Paintings
The two schools of miniature paintings of south India viz. the Mysore Paintings and Tanjore Paintings are offshoots of the earlier Vijayanagar School of Painting. The Vijaynagar School was basically known for Frescoes & murals of the various mythological themes of Hindu deities on the temple walls and ceilings, and was itself inspired by Ajanta. Vijayanagar art includes wall-paintings of the Dashavatara (The Ten Avatars of Vishnu) and the Girijakalyana (marriage of Parvati) at the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi.
As soon as the Vijaynagar Empire fell, the painters started migrating to Thanjavur, Mysore, Shahapur and Surpur. Those who migrated to Tanjavur and Mysore came under the heavy influence of other styles and thus, these two developed as two distinct styles of Paintings.
Salient Features of Mysore Paintings
Out of them Mysore paintings generally depict the Hindu gods and goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology. This style is also known for the Gesso Work. Gesso refers to a paste of white lead powder, gambose and glue and is used as an embossing material covered with Gold foils. Gesso work is found in both the Mysore as well as the Tanjore paintings. In Mysore paintings, the work is low in relief and intricate, while in Tanjore school, the Gesso work is little thicker.
Gesso Work
Gesso was used in Mysore painting for depicting intricate designs of clothes, jewellery and architectural details on pillars and arches that usually framed the deities. The work was taken up in the morning when the base of the gold work on the painting was still moist so as to hold the gold foil firmly. After allowing the painting to dry, glazing was carried out by covering the painting with thin paper and rubbing over it with a soft glazing stone known as kaslupada kallu. When the thin paper was removed the painting shone brightly and looked resplendent with the combination of gold and a variety of colours.
Sritattvanidhi
The famous example of Mysore school painting is a manuscript called Sritattvanidhi. This is a pictorial digest of 1500 pages and contains illustrations of gods, goddesses and mythological figures. Thus, we conclude that Hindu Mythology is the dominant theme in the Mysore paintings.
Thanjore Paintings
The patrons of this art were the Nayakas of Tanjore. This school, as mentioned above was an offshoot of the Vijayanagar School and is known for vibrant colors, opulent surface and immense use of Gold foils. The dominant themes are Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints. These paintings are created on wooden plank, so also known as palagai padam (palagai-wooden plank, padam-picture) in local parlance.
Difference between Mysore Paintings and Tanjor Paintings
Difference | Mysore | Tanjore |
Gesso work | Low in relief & intricate | Thick gold relief |
Preparation of Gesso | Gesso is prepared by mixing white lead powder, gamboges and glue. | Raw lime powder is used along with a paste made of powdered tamarind seed for Gesso work |
Base | Paper on Cloth and wood | Cloth with wood as base (palagai padam) |
Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
Emphasis | More emphasis on emphasis is on fine lines and delicate detail, especially on corner scroll designs, clothing and other decorative elements. | Lesser emphasis |
Has no gem settings and glass embellishments | Has gem settings and glass embellishments | |
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Current state of Mysore and Tanjore Paintings
Both the Tanjore and Mysore school of paintings have a flourishing market in India today and these paintings are loved by souvenir collectors as part of one’s collectibles, the investment angle not withstanding.
The themes in Mysore and Tanjore Paintings
Stylised modelling of characters chosen from mythology mainly formed the subject matter. Encompassed in numerous epic tales, Lord Krishna has always remained every Tanjore and Mysore artist’s delight apart from other deities.
