Gajendramoksha

This is a reverse glass painting, most likely from Maharashtra. According to a description of the painting published on page 73 of the book ‘Reverse Glass Painting in India’ by Professor Anna L. Dallapiccola:
“This work focuses on Gajendra's unswerving faith in Vishnu, rather than on Gajendra's ascending to Vaikuntha. A vivid red background sets off Garuda, the vahana of Vishnu, personified here as a strong man with an eagle nose and multi-coloured wings who carries a cobra in his extended left arm. He is at the centre of the composition, with an elaborate crown and a floral garland. A diminutive Vishnu sits on the bird's right wing: his upper arms carry the chakra and the shankha, while his lower arms are in the attitude of aiming an arrow, although the bow and arrow have not been shown. The narrative begins at the lower part of the painting: the crocodile has caught Gajendra's leg in its mouth and is on the verge of dragging him into the depths of the sea. Gajendra, as an extreme act of homage to his chosen deity, offers a lotus to Vishnu, who then comes to his rescue. A yellow curtain frames the upper part of the work, thus drawing attention to Vishnu and Garuda.”