Vipralabdha Nayika
Polychrome pigments and gold on paper.
India, Pahari, Punjab, probably early
19th century.
(Accidents, restorations, wetness).
25.5 x 18 cm
Provenance: French private collection, catalogued in the collection as acquired on September 19, 2000 (expert Kevorkian).
This theme (Vipralabdha Nayika) of the courtesan throwing away her jewels under the moonlight after waiting in vain for her lover is evoked in the Rasikapriya, an Indian poetic tale written around 1591 by the poet Keshavdas, which explores love relationships in all their various passions. This painting is probably part of a series of illustrations of the Rasikapriya, produced in the Pahari region in the early 19th century.
A painting on the same theme is held at
Victoria & Albert Museum (inv. no. IM.72-1912).
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