Artwork
Kausa Ragaputra of Malkos, from a Ragamala
Kausa Ragaputra of Malkos, from a Ragamala is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This painting, titled Kausa Ragaputra of Malkos, is part of a Ragamala series, which pairs visual representations with specific musical modes. It depicts a serene scene of a man and woman seated together in a simple domestic setting.
Subject & Meaning
The couple, each holding a hunting bird, conveys a sense of intimacy and equality. The birds symbolize wealth and hunting prowess, a valued skill among the nobility of the time. The woman's confident handling of the bird underscores her equal status with the man.
Technique & Style
The painting features a straightforward composition with a red floor and sparse floral elements. The figures' calm expressions suggest a close relationship despite their physical detachment. The use of Takri script for the inscription adds to the work's cultural context.
History & Provenance
The artwork originates from the Pahari region in the northwest Himalayas, known for its prized hunting birds. The inscription, though labeling the scene differently, is overridden by the imagery, which aligns with the Kausa Ragaputra of Malkos.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
