Artwork

Rama and Sita enthroned with Lakshmana and Hanuman attending, from a Kalighat album

Rama and Sita enthroned with Lakshmana and Hanuman attending, from a Kalighat album is an unspecified painting by the Bengal School artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting depicts Rama and Sita enthroned, attended by Lakshmana and Hanuman.

Accession no.: 2003.152
Credit line: Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward

About this work

Overview

This painting depicts Rama and Sita enthroned, attended by Lakshmana and Hanuman. It is an example of a Kalighat painting, a style of Indian art characterized by simple, bold forms and vibrant colors.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Rama and Sita seated on a throne under a red parasol, with Lakshmana standing beside them and Hanuman kneeling in adoration. The figures are depicted in a straightforward and unadorned manner, emphasizing their significance.

Technique & Style

The painting is executed in watercolor, with a flat background and collapsed perspective. The style is marked by simplicity and a lack of shading or depth, reflecting the artists' need to work quickly to meet demand.

History & Provenance

Kalighat paintings were produced near the Kali temple in Kolkata, for sale to pilgrims. The artists were influenced by British colonial culture, as seen in details such as Lakshmana's mustache, which resembles the Prince Albert style.

Context

The Kalighat style emerged in a context of rapid production for a popular market, resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that prioritized boldness and clarity over intricate detail.