Artwork
Woman Feeding Deer: Todi Ragini, from a Ragamala
Woman Feeding Deer: Todi Ragini, from a Ragamala is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a woman dressed in a flowing red garment standing in a meadow, holding a staff and a ball.
About this work
History & Provenance
The Cleveland Museum of Art acquired the work in 2018 as accession number 2018.
The Ragamala series to which this painting belongs is dated to the early 17th century, specifically 1610, based on stylistic and inscriptional evidence from the period.
The Cleveland Museum of Art acquired the work in 2018 as accession number 2018.167, placing it within their South Asian holdings.
The painting Woman Feeding Deer: Todi Ragini, from a Ragamala, created in 1610, is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under accession or inventory number 2018.167. It was accessioned as part of the museum's collection in 2018 and has been exhibited in the museum's galleries dedicated to Indian miniature paintings, including displays highlighting works from the Ragamala series.
Context
The painting Woman Feeding Deer: Todi Ragini, from a Ragamala, attributed to the Cleveland Museum of Art collection, was created in 1610 and exemplifies early 17th-century Indian miniature painting within the broader tradition of Ragamala series depicting musical modes through narrative scenes. Its depiction of a woman offering food to deer aligns with thematic elements found in Indian miniature traditions, situating it within the artistic context of the period. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, confirming its provenance and institutional significance.
Overview
The work depicts a woman dressed in a flowing red garment standing in a meadow, holding a staff and a ball. Four deer are scattered throughout the landscape, some grazing, one drinking from a stream, while trees with verdant foliage and scattered blossoms frame the scene. A bright yellow band runs along the top edge, and a line of Devanagari‑style script appears above the image.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a tranquil interaction between humanity and wildlife, emphasizing harmony and calm. The woman's composed stance and the leisurely behavior of the deer suggest a peaceful coexistence, a theme often associated with ragamala illustrations that link music, nature, and emotional states.
Technique & Style
Rendered in a stylized manner typical of ragamala paintings, the piece employs bold color contrasts, particularly the vivid red of the figure and the yellow border, to delineate forms. The foliage and animals are outlined with fine lines, while the background remains relatively flat, focusing attention on the central figures.
Artist & collection
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