album;
painting
- Museum number
- 1999,1202,0.2.14
- Title
- Object: Vilaval Ragini
- Description
-
Painting from an album bound in red silk designed fabric containing a complete set of Jaipur 19th century Ragamala paintings.
The abhisarika heroine (one who goes out to meet her beloved) is portrayed here sumptuously attired in red, gold and yellow giving the finishing touches to her make up preparatory to her tryst. She examines herself in a mirror, which an attendant holds up before her. Another lady attendant holds vessels of her toilette and stands respectfully behind the bed. The setting is the familiar one of a terrace in front of a pavilion richly painted in the ornate style of this Ragamala series. A pink and gold fence separates the horizon from the terrace.
- Production date
- 19thC(early)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 32 centimetres (page)
-
Height: 24.50 centimetres (painting including all margins)
-
Width: 19.60 centimetres
-
Width: 24.20 centimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
-
- Curator's comments
- The series is a complete one of thirty six based on the 'standardized painters system' existing in Jaipur during the 19th century. Black ink floral sprays on first and last pages.
Jaipur 19th century Ragamala paintings characteristically depict text in enclosed decorative panels or cartouches on top of each painting. (Ebeling, K., 'Ragamala Painting', 1973. Pg.228, illustration 148.)
An abhisarika heroine is usually portrayed fearlessly stepping out into the forest at night, prepared to face all dangers in order to meet her beloved. The artist here has portrayed a rather tame heroine however in her boudoir, an exact rendering of the poet Lala's verse.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- Good
- Acquisition date
- 1999
- Department
- Asia
- Registration number
- 1999,1202,0.2.14
