Eyes of Grace: The Symbolism in Nathdwara Painting

Nathdwara Painting, which emerged over 400 years ago in the holy town near Udaipur, Rajasthan, is deeply rooted in devotional expression and artistic refinement. Originating with artists who followed the swaroop of Shrinathji, this style developed in “chitrakaron ki gali” (the painters’ street) near the Nathdwara temple. Early Nathdwara Painting absorbed influences from Mewar, Jaipur (with its Mughal precision), Bundi, Kota, Jodhpur, and Kishangarh—especially the latter’s signature almond-shaped, curved eyes. Over time, a distinct idiom formed: dreamy-eyed cows, full-bodied figures with bell-shaped skirts, and Shrinathji portrayed with downward-gazing crescent eyes. These features, along with his blue-black form and traditional Pushtimarg attire, have come to define the deeply spiritual and symbolic language of Nathdwara art.