Who painted Ragini Devagandhari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set?

Ragini Devagandhari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set was painted by Unknown in 1757.

Where can I see Ragini Devagandhari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set?

Ragini Devagandhari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Ragini Devagandhari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set?

Ragini Devagandhari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set is associated with Rajput painting.

Artwork

Ragini Devagandhari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set

Unknown , 1757

Ragini Devagandhari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set is an unspecified painting by the Rajput painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ragini Devagandhari is a page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set, a type of Indian painting.

About this work

Overview

Ragini Devagandhari is a page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set, a type of Indian painting. The scene depicts a serene outdoor setting with a man playing a stringed instrument on a green platform, accompanied by a woman with a bow and arrow, and a dog in motion.

Subject & Meaning

The subject revolves around the musical performance of Ragini Devagandhari, a female mode (ragini) in Indian classical music, symbolized by the male musician and his companion. The woman with a bow and arrow may represent the ragini's emotional or mythological aspect.

Technique & Style

Executed in the style characteristic of Jaipur's artistic tradition, the painting features vivid colors (notably yellow, pink, dark blue, and red), intricate details, and a blend of static figures (the musicians) and dynamic elements (the dog).

History & Provenance

Originating from Jaipur, this piece is part of a larger Ragamala Set. While specific creation dates and direct artist attributions are not provided, its style aligns with 18th-century Indian art, particularly from the Jaipur school.

Context

Ragamala paintings, like this one, were often commissioned by royal courts to illustrate the various moods and themes of Indian musical modes (ragas and raginis). This piece would have been part of a collection used for both aesthetic enjoyment and educational purposes.

Legacy

Now reminiscent of works found in institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago, this painting contributes to the global appreciation of Indian art's richness, especially the nuanced depiction of musical themes in Jaipur's 18th-century tradition.