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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2009.202.57
People
Unknown Artist
Title
Nala Entertained, Drawing for a Nala Damayanti Series
Classification
Manuscripts
Work Type
manuscript folio
Date
late 18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Himachal Pradesh, Kangra
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/199015

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink and opaque watercolor on paper; Pahari Style, Kangra School
Dimensions
22.7 x 30.7 cm (8 15/16 x 12 1/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1999 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum.

Notes:
Object was part of long-term loan to Museum in 1999.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Gift of Edith I. Welch in memory of Stuart Cary Welch
Accession Year
2009
Object Number
2009.202.57
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
The fragmentary drawing, which has suffered significant loss, features a court scene. The king, Nala, shown as a young man, is seated under an awning and is smoking a hookah. He is accompanied by two large men, one of who turns back to look at Nala. A large group of men wearing turbans and some wielding swords, encircle the entire scene. In front of Nala is a group of female dancers. The drawing appears to be a preparatory drawing for a Nala Damayanti, which focuses on the story of King Nala of Nishadha Kingdom, and his marriage to princess Damayanti of Vidarbha. Their story is recounted in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata and also numerous independent poems. Pahari Style, Kangra School.

Exhibition History

  • Linear Graces ... and Disgraces: Part I, Drawings from the Courts of Persia, Turkey, and India, 15th-19th Centuries, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 10/15/1994 - 12/11/1994

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