c. 1660-1680
An enthroned Radha sits in an open palatial courtyard. She converses with her sakhi (female companion), who kneels in front of her. A female attendant fans Radha from behind, while another one approaches. The courtyard opens to a dense and lush landscape. The dark sky is dotted with stars. A full moon sits in the sky between the chhatris of the palace. At the top of the painting is a solid yellow block that contains black text written in the Braj language. It states: [The Nayika speaks to a Sakhi:] O Sakhi! My eyes are not restless, neither is my speech sweet. I do not know the ways of love. I have never twisted my eyebrows. I have never looked at Krishna seductively. So why do my friends slander me? I am not cunning or crafty and I do not know how I was able to win over Krishna. (2.6) The painting is surrounded by thick, red borders.
38.5 x 25 cm (15 3/16 x 9 13/16 in.)
Ink and gold on paper
12th centuryIslamicOpaque watercolor on paper
17th centuryOttomanInk, colors, and gold on paper
16th centuryPersianInk, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
16th centuryIndianInk and gold on paper
15th-16th centuryPersianInk, colors, and gold on paper
19th centuryPersianInk, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
19th centuryPersianInk, colors, and gold on paper; stamped leather binding
16th centuryPersianInk, colors, and gold on paper
16th centuryPersianInk, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
17th centuryPersianInk, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
17th centuryPersianInk and colors on paper
17th-18th centuryDeccani