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A woman drawing the portrait of her absent lover (Dhanashri ragini)
anonymous, 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 250 mm x width 153 mm, height 319 mm x width 216 mm
- Physical characteristicsPenseel in kleuren, zwart, wit en goud, gouache