Lady with two peacocks
Artist
Unknown
Date1818–1822
Mediumwatercolor on paper
Dimensions17 x 11.1 cm (6 11/16 x 4 3/8 in.)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Frank E. Heywood
Object number1937.80
Label TextThe young woman is awaiting her lover by the riverside. The viewer is alerted to this by the presence of the peacocks which symbolize imminent lovemaking. The garlands the maiden carries are for the peacocks. The painting is probably a visualization of the Kakubha Ragini, a musical form. This type of painting is a uniquely Indian art form in which a specific melody type is personified as part of a scene that conjures the mood of the musical mode. The inscribed verses identify the melody type and its image. The verses are written on the painting itself or on the reverse as in the example.ProvenanceMrs. Frank E. Heywood, Worcester MAOn View
Not on view
