Guru Nanak, was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. In His eyes, every being is equal. He was an enlightened soul who walked this Earth to spread the message of God.

In this beautiful depiction by Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti, the artist uses a vibrant golden hue to depict His aura as being brighter than the sun. His meditative pose and gentle eyes reflect a quiet wisdom. In one hand He holds a white rose in his hand symbolising purity of thought and the transient nature of life, and in the other He hold prayer beads.

On the right a discipline stands head bowed in reverence to the Guru, holding the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) with Khanda emblem in the centre. This signifies the power of God, spiritual sovereignty, oneness and the unity of humanity.

On the bottom left of the painting, a Sikh man showcases his skills by riding two horses at the same time. His connection with the horses is strong and symbolises the connection every person must have with God in life “for the body is the horse, upon which one rides to God” says a line in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism.  We also see a crowd of devotees in front of the Golden Temple, the most important spiritual site in Sikhism.

Tomassetti’s piece brings out the hopeful message of the Sikh culture that we are all God’s creations.