Artwork
Megha-Nada (Indrajit, Son of Radha)
Megha-Nada (Indrajit, Son of Radha) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
Its provenance is documented through acquisition records that trace its movement from the artist’s studio to the museum’s holdings.
The painting was created in 1890 in Kolkata and entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Its provenance is documented through acquisition records that trace its movement from the artist’s studio to the museum’s holdings.
Megha-Nada (Indrajit, Son of Radha) is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The painting, dated 1890 and made in Kolkata, is catalogued under the inventory number 2003.119. No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
Overview
Megha‑Nada, also known as Indrajit, Son of Radha, is a painted work that depicts a dark‑skinned male figure in a vivid red costume, equipped with both a sword and a bow, and crowned with gold. He is positioned beside a woman dressed in a pink garment with a yellow upper portion, while a pink elephant bearing black spots appears partially behind them.
Subject & Meaning
The composition brings together a heroic male presence, suggested by weaponry and regal headgear, with a female companion in softer hues, hinting at a narrative of partnership or mythic lineage. The inclusion of the elephant, a traditional symbol of strength and auspiciousness, adds a layer of cultural symbolism.
Technique & Style
Executed in the kalighat tradition, the painting employs bright, saturated colors and strong, defined outlines characteristic of the 19th‑century Bengal folk art movement. The flat planes of pigment and stylized forms reflect the commercial print‑making influences that shaped the genre.
Context
The work belongs to a period when Bengali artists blended indigenous iconography with emerging market demands, creating accessible visual narratives for a growing middle class. The depiction of mythic or heroic figures aligns with popular storytelling themes of the era.
Artist & collection
