DrawingsIndian18th century

Figural Groups in a Forest Outside Palace Walls (pricked drawing)

c. 1740

Description

This drawing features a large, dense, lush forest beyond the walls of a palatial structure on the top left. Within the forest are several groups of figures. At the bottom left is a young prince, his royal status indicated by his rich attire and ornamented turban, embracing and kissing a young lady. At the bottom is a group of women peering from behind trees and other foliage. At the right is a group of noblemen dancing, their status indicated by their dress. A woman watches them from between large palm fronds. There are traces of small pricked holes throughout the work that indicate that it was used in a transfer technique called pounce, in which powdered chalk or charcoal would be forced through the tiny holes onto a new, clean surface to transfer the image and allow for it to be copied. Rajput Style, Kota School.

Classification

Drawings

Medium

Ink on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School

Culture

Indian

Century

18th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

29 x 19 cm (11 7/16 x 7 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1983 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of long-term loan to Museum in 1983.