c. 1790
Todi Ragini evokes both tenderness and sadness, and is commonly represented by a young heroine (nayika) in a forest separated from her lover. In this painting, she is shown carrying a vina, a multi-stringed instrument distinct to the Indian subcontinent. Her music has attracted black buck deer, which are also a typical feature in Todi Ragini paintings. Along the lotus-filled river are large cranes. The lush trees seem to rhythmically sway, alluding to the musical nature of the work. This painting is a pictorial metaphor for a raga, a musical phrase that is used as the basis for improvisation. Rajput Style, Uniara School.
27.31 x 19.69 cm (10 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.)
Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
18th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor and gold on paper; Rajput Style, Mewar School
18th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor on paper
18th centuryIndianInk, colors, and gold on paper
17th-18th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor and gold on paper
18th centuryIndianInk, colors, and gold on paper
17th-18th centuryIndianInk, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; Deccan Sultanate Style
18th centuryIndianInk, opaque watercolor, gold, and beetle shell on paper
18th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor and gold on paper; Rajput Style, Mewar School
18th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor on palm leaf with wood or palm bark cover
18th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper; Rajput Style
18th-19th centuryIndianOpaque watercolor and gold on paper
18th centuryIndian