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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1973.158
People
Unknown Artist
Title
Madhumadhavi Ragini, Illustration from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
c. 1640-1660
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Malwa
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216282

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper; Malwa Style
Dimensions
sight: 22.5 x 15 cm (8 7/8 x 5 7/8 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of John Kenneth Galbraith
Accession Year
1973
Object Number
1973.158
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
The Madhumadhavi Ragini concerns a young heroine (nayika) braving harsh conditions to meet her lover. It is commonly represented by a woman about to enter a palace in which her lover awaits. The sky is dark and filled with storm clouds, or signs of lighting, or rain. A peacock, which symbolizes union, is also depicted. Here, the female figure walks into the palace and glances up at a peacock perched on the palace wall. Rain falls against a dark blue sky from a grey cloud that takes up the length of the painting. This painting is a pictorial metaphor for a raga, a musical phrase that is used as the basis for improvisation. Malwa Style.

Exhibition History

  • The Music Room, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 09/22/1984 - 11/11/1984
  • Ambassador's Choice: The Galbraith Collection of Indian Painting, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 02/15/1986 - 04/06/1986
  • Rasika, the Discerning Connoisseur: Indian Paintings from the John Kenneth Galbraith Collection, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 01/31/1998 - 04/05/1998
  • Pavilions of Love: A Ritual Space in Indian Painting, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 05/10/2007 - 09/23/2007

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu