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

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork

Ragini Setmalar, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set

Unknown , 1757

Ragini Setmalar, 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 Setmalar is a painted page from a Jaipur Ragamala set, presently in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Ragini Setmalar is a painted page from a Jaipur Ragamala set, presently in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The work is divided into two narrative scenes that depict groups of figures engaged in musical and ritual activity. Vibrant hues of orange, yellow, green and purple dominate the composition, while detailed patterns adorn the garments and the architectural backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The upper register shows a woman dressed in white playing a stringed instrument, accompanied by a seated man in yellow and a standing figure in white, suggesting a courtly musical performance. The lower register presents a man in a multicoloured robe beside a white‑clad figure holding a bowl, with another figure reclining and a fourth ascending stairs, hinting at a ceremonial or devotional sequence.

Technique & Style

Executed in miniature painting technique, the page employs fine brushwork to render intricate textile designs and architectural elements. The palette is rich and saturated, characteristic of Rajasthani court art, while the composition balances linear perspective with decorative flattening, creating a layered visual narrative across the two scenes.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from a Ragamala series produced in Jaipur, a city known for its prolific manuscript workshops in the 18th–19th centuries. It entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings through acquisition, though specific details of its earlier ownership remain undocumented in the available record.

Context

Ragamala paintings visually interpret Indian musical modes (ragas) through allegorical scenes, linking sound to visual symbolism. This page reflects that tradition, pairing musical performance with ritual gestures, and illustrates the cultural milieu of Jaipur’s aristocratic patronage, where art served both aesthetic and didactic functions.