Artwork
Painting from a Kalpa-sutra: Queen Trishala Reclining
Painting from a Kalpa-sutra: Queen Trishala Reclining is an unspecified painting by the Indian Miniature artist Unknown. It dates from 1462 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting is one of two surviving illustrations from a Jain manuscript of the Kalpa-sutra, a sacred text.
- Accession no.
- 1925.1340
- Credit line
- Gift of J. H. Wade
About this work
Overview
This painting is one of two surviving illustrations from a Jain manuscript of the Kalpa-sutra, a sacred text. It has been removed from its original context and mounted with a gold-flecked border.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Queen Trishala reclining on a bed, surrounded by small figures, representing her dream-filled sleep before the birth of her son Mahavira, a significant figure in Jainism. The dream is believed to have foretold his birth and future importance.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by its use of bright colors and a busy composition, typical of the style found in manuscripts from western India, particularly Gujarat. The gold walls and red bed add to the painting's vividness.
Artist & collection
