A group of four illustrations of Devis, North India, first half 19th century

Three illustrations in the group represent Dhumavati, a fearsome aspect of Devi, and one of the ten Mahavidya (or Tantric) goddesses. Dhumavati, or 'the smoky one', is associated with inauspicious periods and is invoked by devotees to seek help during difficult times. She is often depicted carrying a winnowing basket, seated on or accompanied by her vehicle, the crow. While the Goddess is also portrayed as an old widow in a white or simple dress, the present group includes depictions of her in bridal finery and as a young woman, which are certainly rare.

The fourth illustration depicts another Tantric manifestation of Devi, possibly Lalita Tripura Sundari, seated in a boat, with an attendant. Varaha, the boar-headed incarnation of Vishnu, astride his vehicle Garuda, is portrayed at upper left.