Indian and Himalayan Art Men with Fireworks Made in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Mewar, India, Asiac. 1730-40 Artist/maker unknown, India Opaque watercolor and gold on paper Currently not on view 2004-149-58 125th Anniversary Acquisition. Alvin O. Bellak Collection, 2004 |
LabelMen dressed as laborers race about a dark ground, swirling wands of gold-sparking fireworks to create a dazzling pattern. In India, fireworks are most popularly set off during Diwali, the festival of lights that celebrates the end of the rainy season and honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In the eighteenth century, fireworks were also used to control temperamental elephants. Whatever the subject, the small square shape of this painting is unusual; it was most likely cut from a larger composition. |
