1973.158: Madhumadhavi Ragini (painting, recto; text, verso), from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series

Identification and Creation

Object Number

1973.158

Title

Madhumadhavi Ragini (painting, recto; text, verso), from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series

Classification

Manuscripts

Work Type

manuscript folio

Date

c. 1640-1660

Places

Creation Place: South Asia, India, Central India, Malwa

Culture

Indian

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/216282

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

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. This folio most likely belonged to an album of Ragamala or "Garland of Melodies" folios produced in Malwa. Sanskrit verses associated with the raga or the ragini depicted on the recto are written on the verso. Other folios from the same series in the Harvard Art Museum’s collection are objects 1972.346, 1972.347, 1973.156, 1973.157, 1973.173, 1973.174. Rajput, Rajasthani, Malwa School.

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

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