Open full image Pin

Ravana, Sita and Jatayu

Unknown

1880

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Mythology

Dominant colour

About this work

This painting depicts a fantastical scene with a large yellow bird-like creature at its center. The creature has green wings and a long, curved neck, and its body is adorned with a red stripe running down its middle. On the creature's head, a small structure with a dome-shaped roof and a red flag on top is visible. Inside the structure, a figure with a blue face and a yellow body is seated, surrounded by various objects. To the left of the structure, a white horse is shown, adding to the sense of wonder and fantasy in the scene. The painting's use of bold colors and intricate details invites the viewer to explore the world of mythology, a genre that is rich in stories and symbolism. To learn more about the techniques used in this painting, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.

The story of this work

Overview

The artwork depicts a scene from the Ramayana in which Jatayu attempts to stop Ravana from abducting Sita by seizing the Pushpaka chariot in flight. Ravana, shown piloting the airborne vehicle himself, carries Sita, who kneels behind him. Jatayu grasps the chariot, its horses, and Ravana with its beak in a struggle to intervene. The opaque watercolour on paper painting dates to 1880 and was acquired from the estate of Mrs E.M. Milford, previously owned by the Church Missionary Society.

Read the full account in the museum source.