Indian and Himalayan Art A Couple in the Morning Light (Vibhasa Ragini) c. 1750 Artist/maker unknown, India Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver-colored paint on paper Currently not on view 1994-148-412 Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994 |
LabelVibhasa is translated as splendor or brightness, and thus has the sense of love and intimacy as morning light arrives. Musically, the raga is performed in the morning. Visually, Vibhasa Ragini is often personified by lovers with romantic symbols such as the floral arrows of the love god Kamadeva. Here, the hero uses floral arrows to gently wake his love from sleep and remind her of their shared night. |
