Artwork
Sindhu (Saindhava) Ragaputra of Shri Raga, from a Ragamala
Sindhu (Saindhava) Ragaputra of Shri Raga, from a Ragamala is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1685 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting is one of a series from a Ragamala, a collection of images that illustrate various musical modes.
- Accession no.
- 2018.90
- Credit line
- Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
About this work
Overview
This painting is one of a series from a Ragamala, a collection of images that illustrate various musical modes. It depicts a man mounting a horse, set against a backdrop of hills and trees.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows a man in a red coat leaping onto a galloping horse, his scarf flowing behind him. The image is associated with a poem and is meant to evoke the emotional anguish of separation, tied to the music of the Sindh region.
Technique & Style
The painting features soft greens and blues in the background, contrasting with the vivid red of the man's coat. The horse's open mouth appears to be whinnying, adding a dynamic element to the scene.
History & Provenance
Originally part of a large series in the Mandi royal library, the painting is now part of a dispersed collection. The Ragamala series it belongs to is associated with the Pahari kingdoms, known for their rich tradition of painting.
Context
The name 'Sindhu' refers to the coastal region of Sindh, now in Pakistan, linking the music and the image to a specific geographic location.
Artist & collection
Krishna and Consort on a Palace Balcony with Musicians: Vukharo Ragaputra of Bhairav, from the “Boston Ragamala”
Prince Mathu Singh of Jatoli on a Blue Horse Riding to Udaipur
Equestrian Portrait of Maharana Raj Singh II of Mewar (r. 1755–62)
Untitled
Prince Mathu Singh of Jatoli on a Blue Horse Riding to Udaipur
Lovers on a Terrace: Ramakali Ragini of Hindol, from a Bundi Ragamala
Kalki
Untitled