Abhisarika Nayika Braving a Storm
Region
India
Dateabout 1760–1770
Mediumopaque watercolor and gold metallic paint on paper
Dimensions16.6 x 12.1 cm (6 1/2 x 4 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineGift of Alexander H. Bullock
Object number1956.3
Label TextHere a woman steals off through the wind and rain to meet her lover. At court the monsoon was a favored season for love-making, for the courtier could stay at home while the lady ventured forth through the perilous storm. For a woman at court, braving the elements to reach her lover was a welcome release from the tedium of daily life; hence, this was a popular image. The peacock on the roof heralds a night of love-making.
Figures in motion were popular subjects of painters from the Kangra valley, particularly from Guler. Here the lady is natural, and graceful despite the circumstances of the setting. The simple composition is also typical of Kangra Valley painting.ProvenanceAlexander H. Bullock, Worcester MAOn View
Not on view
