Khandita Nayika (?): The Distraught Heroine

Currently not on view

Khandita Nayika (?): The Distraught Heroine

c. 1680-1690

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

This illustration comes from a dispersed series of the Rasikapriya. The exact verses illustrated are unknown because the writing is obscured by a later paper backing. A heroine sits in a palace talking with a female companion, while her lover--depicted as blue-skinned Krishna--stands unheeding in the courtyard. The borders with a vine motif, oversized flowers, floral textiles, and foliated arches, along with the muted colors and fine detailing, show the influence of decorative trends from the Mughal court. Yet the painting also has indigenous northern Indian characteristics, including flat, primary colored backgrounds; balloon-shaped trees; and figures that, while thinner and more graceful, retain their large eyes, pinched waists, and sharp profiles.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Khandita Nayika (?): The Distraught Heroine
Probably from a dispersed series of the Rasikapriya of Keshavadasa

Date:

c. 1680-1690

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor with gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 8 7/8 × 6 1/16 inches (22.5 × 15.4 cm) Sheet: 9 3/4 × 7 1/16 inches (24.8 × 17.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-527

Geography:

Made in Madhya Pradesh, Malwa Region, India, Asia

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Currently not on view