Lovers with Two Attendants, Meghamallara Raga from the Ragamala series
Artist/Culture
South Rajasthani
Date1658–1662
Mediumwatercolor on paper
Dimensions24.8 x 15.7 cm (9 3/4 x 6 3/16 in.)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund
Object number1953.42
Label TextMeghamallara Raga takes place during the rainy season, when clouds (megha) and brilliantly colored skies send lovers dancing in the rain. Krishna-typicaly portrayed by deep, blue ski and a sheer, yellow jama-dances with Radha to music provided by two female attendants on drum and clappers. The cranes overhead, in flight ow that the monsoon has begun, are symbolic of love to be fulfilled.
The strong profiles of the faces, with large eyes, pointed noses, and prominent lips, are characteristic of Sirohi painting. Also in the Sirohi tradition are the saturated colors and simple, yet bold, composition, which fills the space of the picture and overflows the border.
ProvenanceKevorkian Foundation, New York NYOn View
Not on view
