Who painted Taurus, from a "Mandi Astrology Series"?

Taurus, from a "Mandi Astrology Series" was painted by Sanju.

Where can I see Taurus, from a "Mandi Astrology Series"?

Taurus, from a "Mandi Astrology Series" is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Taurus, from a "Mandi Astrology Series"?

Taurus, from a "Mandi Astrology Series" is associated with Pahari Painting.

Artwork

Taurus, from a "Mandi Astrology Series"

Sanju

Taurus, from a "Mandi Astrology Series" is an unspecified painting by the Pahari Painting artist Sanju. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The painting presents a monumental white bull rendered in profile, occupying the central space with a dignified bearing.

Accession no.: 2020.432
Credit line: Gift of Nancy and Wayne Hunnicutt

About this work

Overview

The painting presents a monumental white bull rendered in profile, occupying the central space with a dignified bearing. Adorned with a string of gold‑tinted bells, a jeweled diadem, and ornate horn tips, the animal stands before a modest herd of cows and distant elephants, all set against a richly patterned textile featuring gold leaf motifs.

Subject & Meaning

The bull functions as a visual embodiment of the zodiac sign Taurus, its serene posture and lavish decoration suggesting a sacred or regal quality. The presence of smaller cattle and elephants emphasizes the bull’s preeminence within the composition, reinforcing its symbolic role as a potent astrological figure.

Technique & Style

Executed in a large format, the work employs a refined profile rendering typical of Pahari court painting, with precise line work and a limited yet luminous palette. Gold leaf and intricate arabesque patterns on the background textile are applied to heighten visual richness, while the animal’s surface is treated with smooth washes that convey a polished, almost ethereal whiteness.

History & Provenance

Created for a royal patron within the Pahari kingdoms of northern India, the piece belongs to a series of astrological illustrations intended for courtly use. Its association with a specific royal atelier is inferred from the luxurious materials and the emphasis on zodiac symbolism, common in court commissions of the period.

Context

The painting reflects the Pahari tradition of integrating celestial motifs into decorative art, a practice that linked royal authority with cosmic order. The inclusion of elephants and domestic cattle situates the work within a pastoral landscape, a recurring theme in the region’s visual culture that underscores the harmony between nature and rulership.