Skip to main content
  1. Art
  2. The Collection

Ragini Madhumadhavi

Indian

Artwork Details

Ragini Madhumadhavi
circa 1800
Indian
ink, watercolor, and gold on paper
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)
Gift of Professor Walter M. and Nesta R. Spink
1985/2.135

Tags

Description

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. 

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.