Tanjore and Mysore are two distinct South Indian classical art styles, with their own distinctive characteristics, techniques and subjects. Here is a comparison of the two styles, as well as an explanation of their common subjects.
Tanjore Paintings:
Tanjore paintings were created in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu in the 16th century under the patronage the Nayaks and Marathas.
Characteristics:
Tanjore paintings are known to have vibrant colors, including red, gold, blue and green.
Embellishments: These are paintings that often feature gold foil, semiprecious gemstones, and decorative elements such as beads and pearls.
Tanjore paintings are characterized by stylized and idealized characters, which have exaggerated features such as elongated eyeballs and facial features.
Topics Typical:
Hindu Gods and Goddesses: Tanjore paintings often depict Hindu deities, such as Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati are also frequently seen.
Mythological scenes are often depicted. These include scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana or Mahabharata, which show divine battles, celestial creatures, and heroic acts.
Tanjore portraits often include portraits of royals such as kings, queens and courtiers. They capture the splendor and opulence that characterized the period.
Mysore paintings:
Mysore Paintings originated during the reigning Wodeyar Dynasty in Mysore, now part of Karnataka. They flourished under the patronage King Krishnaraja Wodeyar 3 in the 19th Century.
Characteristics:
Delicate lines: Mysore painting is characterized by delicate, fine lines and intricate details, which are achieved through meticulous brushwork.
Mysore paintings are often more subdued in color, with pastel tones, compared to Tanjore.
Mysore painting may include gesso, a technique in which a mixture consisting of gum arabic and chalk powder is applied to a surface to produce a raised relief.
Topics Typical:
Mysore court scenes: Mysore painting often depicts scenes from the court of the king, including processions, ceremonies and celebrations attended by royals and courtiers.
Mythological themes. Like Tanjore, Mysore features mythological subjects taken from Hindu epics or Puranas. However, the approach is more refined.
Portraits: Mysore painting may include portraits depicting royalty, nobility and other prominent individuals, all rendered with the grace and elegance that is characteristic of this style.
While both Tanjore painting and Mysore painting share themes rooted in Hindu mythology and royal patronage they display distinct stylistic differences when it comes to color palette, artistic approach, and technique. Tanjore paintings have bold colors, extravagant embellishments and stylized figures. Mysore painting are characterized by refined lines, subdued colours and delicate detailing.
