Who painted Text, Folio 57 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra?

Text, Folio 57 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra was painted by Unknown in 1488.

Where can I see Text, Folio 57 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra?

Text, Folio 57 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Text, Folio 57 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra?

Text, Folio 57 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Text, Folio 57 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

Unknown , 1488

Text, Folio 57 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1488 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting, titled 'Text, Folio 57 (recto)', is an illustration from a Kalpa-sutra, a sacred Jain text.

Accession no.: 1932.119.57.a
Credit line: Edward L. Whittemore Fund

About this work

Overview

This painting, titled 'Text, Folio 57 (recto)', is an illustration from a Kalpa-sutra, a sacred Jain text. It depicts a scene of spiritual significance, characteristic of the Shvetambara sect's artistic and religious traditions.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Mahavira's 11 main disciples, all rendered identically to convey equality. Seated in meditation, they teach with a specific hand gesture, emphasizing their role as disseminators of Jain teachings. Their uniform appearance, shaven heads, elongated earlobes, and white robes, further underscores their spiritual unity and affiliation with the Shvetambara sect.

Technique & Style

The artwork features clean lines, bright colors, and a stylized composition, including a floral grid above the main scene. This grid contains a visually combined 'om-hrim', mystic syllables symbolizing the essence of Jain teachings. The aesthetic choices facilitate focus and contemplation, aligning with the sect's emphasis on clarity and spiritual concentration.

History & Provenance

Originating from a Kalpa-sutra, this folio's specific historical context and provenance are not detailed here, though its style suggests it is part of the rich manuscript tradition of western India, particularly Gujarat.

Context

To appreciate the stylistic and narrative conventions of this piece, comparing it with other paintings from western India, especially those depicting similar Jain narratives from Gujarat, provides valuable insight into regional artistic practices.