Indian and Himalayan Art Saranga-Dipak Ragini Probably made in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia c. 1760-70 Artist/maker unknown, India Opaque watercolor and gold on paper * Gallery 227, Asian Art, second floor (Wood Gallery) 2009-233-1 Purchased with the Stella Kramrisch Fund, 2009 |
LabelThis portrayal visualizes a musical mode through romantic love. Here the heroine, appearing weak with longing for her absent lover, rests against a tree. The pairs of animals around her symbolize love and passion and emphasize her solitary state. The approach of two ascetics suggests that the yearning for physical love is like the yearning to merge with the divine, the aim of such spiritual seekers. In the background, a seemingly unrelated scene shows a nobleman seated with his attendants, possibly a portrait of the patron of this particular ragamala series.* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
