A Couple by Candlelight (Dipaka Raga)
Page from a dispersed ragamala series
Artist/maker unknown, Indian
Geography:
Made in Rajasthan, India, Asia
Probably made in Malpura, Rajasthan, India, Asia
Date:
c. 1756Medium:
Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver-colored paint on paperDimensions:
Image: 10 3/4 × 6 15/16 inches (27.3 × 17.6 cm) Sheet: 12 11/16 × 8 3/4 inches (32.2 × 22.2 cm) Mount: 15 1/2 × 11 5/8 inches (39.4 × 29.5 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
1994-148-420Credit Line:
Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994
Made in Rajasthan, India, Asia
Probably made in Malpura, Rajasthan, India, Asia
Date:
c. 1756Medium:
Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver-colored paint on paperDimensions:
Image: 10 3/4 × 6 15/16 inches (27.3 × 17.6 cm) Sheet: 12 11/16 × 8 3/4 inches (32.2 × 22.2 cm) Mount: 15 1/2 × 11 5/8 inches (39.4 × 29.5 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1994-148-420Credit Line:
Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994
Label:
Dipaka means light or flame. It evokes the beauty of light, particularly at night, and its effect on the meeting of lovers. In musical form, the raga is played at night. In visual form, affectionate lovers are shown near a bright candle in the late evening. The verses at the top of the page may be translated as:
Full of light, the city's form is charming in the night.
The beloved brings a glowing lamp to the tryst, so that the lovemaking may be enchanted with amorous play.
The myriad gold ornaments soothe the spirit.
Thus the poet, Govinda, assigns Dipaka the foremost position among the ragas.
