Rama
1850
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1850
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Rama is a 1850 paint by Unknown, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a crowded scene with lots of people packed into a semi-circle. In the center, three figures stand out: an older man with a long white beard, a man in bright yellow and green with a bow, and a woman in a white dress holding a cloth. Behind them, rows of seated figures face the action, while a balcony filled with more people overlooks the scene. The bright colors and flat style suggest this might be a story from tradition, not realism. The crowd’s faces are similar, but their clothing varies, hinting at different roles or statuses. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.
The painting depicts an episode from the Ramayana in which Rama, shown in opaque watercolour on paper, breaks the bow of Shiva in the presence of Janaka, king of Mithila, and an assembled court that includes his brother. Rendered in opaque watercolour on paper, the scene illustrates the moment when Rama demonstrates his strength before the gathered courtiers. It was later transferred from the Department of Engraving, Illustration & Design as object RP 51/2237.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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