Sreeman Narayana

Oleograph of “Sreeman Narayana” (Vishnu and Consorts) signed and dated 1928 by the artist N. Gopala Rao (written as Row). In this avatar, Vishnu is the sustainer of the universe and occasionally descends to earth assuming various forms (avatars) to redress the balance between good and evil; and is hence known as the preserver. He is shown standing on the coils of the snake Ananta, the symbol of eternity, and floating on the waters of the ocean, representing the unmanifested state of the cosmos before creation. He is depicted wearing a bejewelled crown and adorned with necklaces and bracelets of precious stones. He holds in his hands the shankha (conch), the symbol of the five existential elements, the chakra (discus), a symbol of the speed of thought and the gada (mace), a symbol of knowledge and power. Standing on either side of him are his consorts Shridevi and Bhudevi who hold flower bouquets.
Nandikolla Gopala Rao (1894-1945) was a prominent 19th and 20th-century artist from
Andhra Pradesh, often called the "Father of Modern Contemporary Art" in the region. A self-taught painter, he was known for his works depicting Hindu epics, landscapes, and portraits
of royalty. His innovative style blended traditional techniques with contemporary elements,
and his art was admired by nobles and kings.