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A Winter Evening

c. 1775-1785
Artist/maker unknown, Indian
This completed illustration shows the final stages of the painting process. After coloring and detailing the painting, the artist finished the border, then applied and burnished the metallic pigments, such as gold. Finally, he added three-dimensional details, including dabs of raised white paint for pearl jewelry and patterning incised into areas of gold (see the woman's bangles and Krishna's turban cord). The scene is probably from a Barahmasa series that romantically evokes the atmosphere of the twelve months of the year. The hero, shown as blue-skinned Krishna, wears heavy clothing and feeds pan (a leaf-wrapped digestive) to his lover, who is bundled in a quilted cloak. Blazing candles, a flowery rug, and a pink curtain turn the couple's terrace into a snug sanctuary from the dark, wintry world outside.

Object Details

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