The Toilet of the Princess
Artist/Culture
Malwa
Date1748-1752
Mediumwatercolor on paper
Dimensions25.2 x 14.1 cm (9 15/16 x 5 9/16 in.)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineGift of Alexander H. Bullock
Object number1956.2
Label TextBefore meeting her beloved at the trysting place Vilavala adorns herself with jewels, as an attendant waves a fly-whisk overhead. Although the original design has been cut by the floral border, which was added in the late 19th or early 20th century, enough of the inscription remains to indicate that the verse, as in Gaura-Mallara, ends with “Rama, Rama, Rama.” This is a peculiarity of the series, though, since neither heroine is associated with the hero-god Rama
The composition of both pictures-the large architectural setting of this and the centrally located figure of Gaura-Mallara-as well as the treatment of foliage and facial features are typical of paintings from central India.
ProvenanceAlexander H. Bullock, Worcester MAOn View
Not on view
