Sarang Raga from the Sirohi Ragamala

Historical period(s)
ca. 1680-1690
Movement
Sirohi Court
School
Rajput School
Medium
Opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 23.2 x 17.8 cm (9 1/8 x 7 in)
Geography
India, Rajasthan state, Sirohi
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1992.18
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Manuscript folio

Keywords
ascetic, deer, India, music, ragamala
Provenance

From 1973 to 1992
Baron and Baroness Bachofen von Echt, purchased at auction, Sotheby's, July 11, 1973, lot no. 135 [1]

From 1992
Freer Gallery of Art, purchased at auction, "The Bachofen von Echt Collection," Sotheby's, London, April 29, 1992, lot no. 36 [2]

Notes:

[1] According to Curatorial Note 4 in the object record.

[2] See note 1.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Sotheby's (London)
Baron and Baroness Bachofen von Echt

Label

The pulsating energy, sophisticated geometry, and heated palette of this painting present the Sirohi school at its finest. While Sarang raga is usually represented as an ascetic calmly playing music, this artist shifted the emphasis to the two leaping deer in the center. He also enlivened a rigorous architectural grid with calligraphic flourishes and inserted witty illusions, such as a golden window into the black night sky. The electric contrast of pale blue ash upon the yogi's peach complexion and the expansively spiraling foliage epitomize the Sirohi master's daring style, as well as his impeccable control of the watercolor medium.

Published References
  • Masters of Indian Painting. Exh. cat. Zurich. vol. 2: pp. 479-490, fig. 8.
  • Sotheby's (London). Indian Miniatures and Company School Paintings. London, April 29, 1992. lot 36.
Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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