Artwork

Devagandhari Ragini

Devagandhari Ragini, by Unknown, paint, 1730
Devagandhari Ragini, by Unknown, paint, 1730

Devagandhari Ragini is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1730 Ragamala painting, executed in opaque watercolour on paper, visually represents the musical mode Devagandhari Ragini through a serene depiction of a woman engaged in a personal, contemplative act.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman standing on a low table, is shown arranging her hair, symbolizing the emotional and aesthetic essence of Devagandhari Ragini. Her posture, with one hand holding a bell and the other touching her head, conveys a moment of introspective grace.

Technique & Style

Characterized by warm, vibrant colours (notably the red dress and yellow background) and elegant lines, the painting embodies a blend of traditional Ragamala illustrative techniques with influences suggestive of the Baroque movement, evident in the dynamic energy implied by the bells and the expressive jewelry details.

History & Provenance

Created in 1730, specific details regarding the painting's origin, artist, or ownership history are not provided in the available information.

Context

Part of the Ragamala series, which illustrates musical modes (ragas) through visual narratives, this work would have been used to evoke the mood and atmosphere associated with Devagandhari Ragini, facilitating a deeper connection between music, emotion, and art.

Legacy

While the painting's individual impact is not detailed, as a Ragamala piece, it contributes to the broader legacy of Indian miniature painting traditions and the visual interpretation of musical ragas, influencing subsequent artistic explorations of sound and emotion.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known