Shiva as Bhairava

late 19th century

Painting, opaque watercolour on paper, depicting Shiva as Bhairava. Bhairava is carrying a club and a skull used as a cup, running alongside is his associated vehicle, the dog. Physically he is said to have a dark complexion like that of a thundercloud, his body draped in fabric and a snake necklace. The three-eyed Bhairava is Shiva at his most terrifying as the embodiment of fear.