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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2006.239
Title
Drawing of a Abhisarika Nayika
Classification
Drawings
Work Type
drawing
Date
c. 1775-1825
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Himachal Pradesh, Kangra
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/317995

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink on paper

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Katherine Burton Jones
Accession Year
2006
Object Number
2006.239
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
The Abhisarika Nayika is a heroine that sets aside her modesty and moves out of her home, braving all kinds of difficulties, to secretly meet her lover. Here, she is depicted elegantly dressed and turning back to look at a nude female figure carrying a small child. However, these figures appear to be monsters as they have oddly-configured bodies, and the woman possesses fangs and webbed feet. A large cobra slithers between the Nayika and the female creature. A smaller snake has wrapped itself around the Nayika’s ankle. A large cloud occupies the top left corner, with dark lines to suggest lightning. Small, vertical strokes in the background indicate rain. This may be a preparatory drawing for a series. Pahari Style, Kangra School.

Publication History

  • Stages of Depiction: Indian Drawings: 17th-19th Centuries, auct. cat., Hurst Gallery (Cambridge, 2006), pp 39, cat. 14

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or 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