Ganesha, anonymous, c. 1600 - c. 1699

Ganesha, 'who brings success', is one of the most popular Hindu gods and the first to be greeted when entering a temple. Ganesha is always invoked at the start of an enterprise, when beginning a journey for example, or starting a business. He is holding a sweet to symbolise his enormous appetite, and also good fortune. The rat by his right foot is his mount. 

(Information from Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam)