Artwork Description

Ancient cultures throughout recognized the physical power of the bull and venerated the bull as a creature of the cosmos. In India bulls are venerated in their spiritual practices. Bull is the vahana of Lord Shiva and the most favorite among ganas. Madan, the well known artist of international fame painted a number of series of bull with various gunas. The ephemeral beauty of the bull has been realized by the artist in colors and lines. Grace and athleticism are portrayed by the magic of the artist. Madan is deeply bound to his roots and refresh his memories by painting the powerful image of bull in his childhood. Bull in ancient Punjab was considered the most precious property of the house. That house which blessed with the pair of bulls was considered the richest. Special treatment was given to them so far as food and costume were concerned. They used to work in the fields and draw the carries. The most interesting is that all the people of the village were providing food to him and he was left free in old age. Nandi serves as guardian and sit on the door of Shiva temple. Madan painted the bull with all the aspects of life. The way the Bull stands symbolism strength and vitality. The Bull is related to Indra which dominate in the heaven. The bull is called the male counterpart of cow which Madan shows in the beautiful metaphors on the body of the bull. The image embodies vigour associated with the Kakubh metre, symbolizing its robustness. Looking at the image of bull by Madan Lal the way he represents Vrsabha is syncretism of different regional beliefs with in shaivism . Looking at the painting some rasikas relates it to a threatening figure whose terrifying roar caused distress and fear among cowherd boys. Madan understands the horns of consecration are important religious symbol and he painted in a unique manner. The legs of the bull are adorned with the birds like hams and peacocks etc.as metaphors of love. Numerous lotus flowers are around which sprinkle fragrance. Three divine faces with half closed eyes are full of tranquilities and calmness. I do not know what is the idea of Madan but I feel this painting is an icon in which he composed the working of the entire Universe. Such works are not simple to understand but contains material of the improvement of the species. It has the capacity to uplift the consciousness and subconsciousness to awake the unconsciousness.