Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor painting. It dates from 1449 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 55.121.38.92
- Credit line
- Rogers Fund, 1955
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Its subject embodies Jain spiritual themes, reflecting the religion’s emphasis on asceticism and liberation.
The painting, dated 1449 and executed in ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper, portrays Jain religious imagery characteristic of the tradition’s iconography. Its subject embodies Jain spiritual themes, reflecting the religion’s emphasis on asceticism and liberation. The work belongs to the broader category of religious art and was produced in the Indian subcontinent before entering the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession number 55.121.38.92.
Technique & Style
Created in 1449 in India, this religious painting utilizes a delicate combination of ink, opaque watercolor, and gold applied to a paper support. The work is executed in a style characteristic of Jain manuscript illumination, where the medium allows for fine linear definition alongside areas of flat, vibrant color. Gold leaf or pigment is integrated to denote sanctity and highlight specific elements within the composition.
The physical dimensions of the piece measure 11.1 centimeters in height and 27 centimeters in width, suggesting a format designed for intimate viewing or inclusion within a larger codex. As an anonymous work held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the handling of the materials reflects the sophisticated artistic traditions of 15th-century Indian religious art, emphasizing clarity of form and devotional intensity through the interplay of ink outlines and opaque washes.
History & Provenance
Created in 1449 in India, this anonymous religious painting depicts themes related to Jainism. Executed in ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, the work is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 55.121.38.92. While the specific circumstances of its commission and the identity of its creator remain unknown, the piece is classified as a painting from the mid-15th century.
The available records confirm its inception date as January 1, 1449, and its physical dimensions are noted as 11.1 cm in height by 27 cm in width. No further details regarding its ownership chain prior to entering the museum's collection are provided in the current documentation.
The work titled Untitled, created in 1449 by an anonymous artist, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its specific accession number is 55.121.38.92. Classified as a painting within the museum's holdings, this piece is executed in ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper.
While the provided sources confirm the artwork's current location and inventory designation, they do not contain details regarding a specific exhibition history or past display records for this object.
Overview
This untitled painting, rendered with ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, originates from a Jain manuscript created in Gujarat, India, around the 15th century. It depicts a luminous golden orb containing small figures, suspended above a vibrant red landscape. The composition is completed by a deep blue sky adorned with white clouds and additional golden motifs, reflecting the artistic traditions of its period and religious context.
Artist & collection
