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Title

Lalit ragini

1680s

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Madhya Pradesh India
    Cultural origin
    Malwa
    Date
    1680s
    Media category
    Painting
    Materials used
    opaque watercolour on paper
    Dimensions
    25.2 x 19.0 cm
    Credit
    Gift of Dr Jim Masselos 2022
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    50.2022
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    Ragamala (Garland of melodies) paintings are an Indian tradition of miniature painting designed to accompany poetic and musical musings. Frequently featuring couples in various states of embrace and separation, the lovers personify the moods induced by the changing seasons, while the scenery conveys the relevant time of day and season in which the raga is to be sung.

    Lalit is a song, or raga, of the dawn. Early in the morning, as the woman rests after a night of love, her departing partner looks back to admire her beauty.

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

    • Indian Painting, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 06 Apr 2001–11 Jun 2001

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 1 publication

    • Haema Sivanesan (Assistant Curator), Indian painting, Sydney, 2001. cat. no. 2.1. Illustrated on poster for the exhibition.

  • Provenance

    Jim Masselos, 1970s-2022, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, purchased in London. Donated to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, April 2022.