Accession Number
1985/2.135

Title
Ragini Madhumadhavi

Artist(s)
Indian

Artist Nationality
Indian (South Asian)

Object Creation Date
circa 1800

Medium & Support
ink, watercolor, and gold on paper

Dimensions
12 7/16 in x 8 9/16 in (31.59 cm x 21.75 cm);12 7/16 in x 8 9/16 in (31.59 cm x 21.75 cm);19 5/16 in x 14 5/16 in (49.05 cm x 36.35 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Professor Walter M. and Nesta R. Spink

Label copy
Madhumadhavi has been caught outdoors when a thunderstorm begins with a bold stroke of lightning. As she runs for cover, a peacock echoes the thunder with his piercing cry. She is captured in a dance-like pose, suspended between nature—which has her full attention for the moment—and culture, the comfort of her luxurious suite.
Exhibited in "Divine Encounters, Earthly Pleasures: Twenty Centuries of Indian Art," 12/12/03-2/22/04.

Subject matter
Madhumadhavi ("honeyed sweetness") has been caught outdoors when a thunderstorm begins with a bold stroke of lightning. As she runs for cover, a peacock (a symbol of lovemaking) echoes the thunder with his piercing cry. She is captured in a dance-like pose, suspended between nature—which has her full attention for the moment—and culture, the comfort of her luxurious suite. This ragini is played in the evening. Part of the Ragamala painting tradition, which are based on musical modes.

Physical Description
This miniature painting is placed on a red background with text written above it. A female figure in the center dressed in red feeds a peacock perched on a tree. On her left is a white building. 

Primary Object Classification
Painting

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
Birds
Figures
Pavo (genus)
Rajasthani (culture or style)
buildings
calligraphy
miniatures (object genre)
trees