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Rama and Sita, by Unknown, paint, 1973

Rama and Sita

Unknown

1973

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Overview

Rama and Sita is a 1973 paint by Unknown, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?
Unknown
When & what style?
1973
Where can I see it?
Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows five bright, stylized figures standing side by side. The two on the ends wear long, flowing dresses in red, blue, and yellow, while the three in the middle have striped pants and short tops in bold colors. Their faces are simple but expressive, with big eyes and dark outlines. The background is packed with swirling patterns—stars, flowers, and sunbursts in red, orange, and pink. The figures seem to be part of a story, with the central figure holding a tall staff. The colors pop sharply against the dark border, making everything look lively and energetic. If you like this style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more art like this.

The story of this work

Overview

This 1973 work on paper in ink and paint depicts the Hindu marriage ceremony of Rama and Sita in the Madhubani style, originating from Bihar. On the left, an attendant stands beside Sita, who offers a floral garland to Rama, while his brother Lakshmana and another male figure accompany him. The Madhubani tradition, historically practiced by women on household walls, portrays themes of fertility and Hindu deities, particularly from the Ramayana, before gaining wider recognition in the mid-20th century. By the 1960s, artists began adapting the style to paper for commercial sale, sustaining both…

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

More by Unknown

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