A woman drawing the portrait of her absent lover (Dhanashri ragini)

anoniem, 1700 - 1749

A ragini is a musical mode intended to evoke a certain emotional mood. This painting depicts such a melodic structure, Dhanashri ragini, or the yearning of a lonely woman for her absent lover. Yet this scene does not solely convey an artistic tradition. Many women – queens, princesses, courtesans – enjoyed an extensive education. According to tradition, there were women who wrote poetry in Sanskrit and Persian, painted and played music.

  • Artwork typedrawing, Indian miniature
  • Object numberRP-T-1993-126
  • Dimensionsheight 319 mm x width 216 mm, height 250 mm x width 153 mm
  • Physical characteristicsPenseel in kleuren, zwart, wit en goud, gouache