Artwork
King Mangkur Nourished by Queen Devika, from a Set of Initiation Cards (Tsakali)
King Mangkur Nourished by Queen Devika, from a Set of Initiation Cards (Tsakali) is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1400 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
This painting, part of a set of initiation cards known as Tsakali, portrays a specific scene involving two central figures against a beige background, framed by a red border. The composition includes symbolic elements and objects, set amidst natural and architectural details.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts King Mangkur being nourished by Queen Devika. The king, seated in a red and yellow robe with clasped hands, receives sustenance from the queen, who stands in a similar robe, holding a bowl. The interaction suggests a ritual or symbolic nourishment, potentially alluding to themes of royalty, care, or spiritual sustenance.
Technique & Style
The painting features a distinct color palette, with red and yellow robes for the figures, a blue pedestal, and a beige background. The use of a red border frames the scene. The style is characterized by clear, defined forms and the inclusion of symbolic objects (a white object on a pedestal, accompanied by a red one above it) and contextual elements (a tree, a brown animal).
History & Provenance
The painting is currently held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Specific details about its creation date, artist, or how it entered the museum's collection are not provided in the available information.
Context
As part of a Tsakali set, this painting would have been used in initiation rituals, suggesting its original purpose was educational or ceremonial, imparting knowledge or marking a rite of passage. The specific scene of King Mangkur and Queen Devika may relate to local legends or teachings relevant to the initiation context.
Legacy
The legacy of this painting, like many Tsakali, lies in its preservation of cultural and ritual practices. It serves as a visual document of the beliefs, attire, and ceremonial life of its originating culture, contributing to the broader understanding of initiation rituals and the symbolic language used within them.
Artist & collection
