Artwork
Illustration of the Mahabharata
Illustration of the Mahabharata is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work is a painted illustration of the Indian epic Mahabharata, presenting a densely populated tableau of combatants.
About this work
History & Provenance
The work is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under the accession number 1988.
The Illustration of the Mahabharata is dated to 1800, with the inception recorded as 1800-01-01.
The work is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under the accession number 1988.121. The painting is attributed to an unknown artist, and no further details regarding its commission, prior ownership, or chain of custody are documented in the available sources.
No information about earlier provenance, intermediate owners, or the circumstances of its creation has been recorded.
Legacy
The illustration has been part of the Cleveland Museum of Art collection since 1988, where it is recognized as a significant example of early 19th-century visual storytelling inspired by the Mahabharata. Its presence in a major institutional collection has contributed to scholarly attention on cross-cultural artistic interpretations of Indian epic literature in Western contexts.
Overview
The work is a painted illustration of the Indian epic Mahabharata, presenting a densely populated tableau of combatants. Figures in elaborate dress, some armored with helmets and others brandishing weapons, occupy a space rendered in warm, earthy tones accented by subtle reds and blues. The surface shows considerable age, with muted pigments and signs of wear that convey a sense of faded grandeur.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures a moment of conflict from the Mahabharata, emphasizing the chaotic energy of battle. The varied attire and armament of the participants reflect the epic’s diverse cast of warriors and nobles, underscoring themes of duty, rivalry, and the tragic consequences of war that are central to the narrative.
Technique & Style
Executed in a traditional painting medium, the piece employs a limited palette of earth tones softened by occasional red and blue highlights. Brushwork appears restrained, allowing details of clothing and weaponry to emerge through subtle modeling. The overall visual language balances ornamental richness with a subdued, weathered finish that speaks to the work’s antiquity.
Artist & collection
