Artwork

Sugriva

Sugriva, by Unknown, unspecified, 1720
Sugriva, by Unknown, unspecified, 1720

Sugriva is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This painting depicts Sugriva, a figure with a lion-like face and red skin, seated in a cross-legged pose. Vibrant colors, notably reds, blues, and golds, dominate the composition against a light background.

Subject & Meaning

Sugriva, likely referencing the monkey king from Hindu epic literature, embodies a paradox of calmness and power. The fierce expression alongside a serene posture suggests a complex character interpretation.

Technique & Style

The work features bold, flat forms and a limited background, emphasizing the figure. Striped textiles and heavy gold jewelry are meticulously rendered, contrasting with the simplicity of the setting.

Context

The use of a distinct script for the title *Sugriva* at the top may indicate a specific regional or linguistic attribution, though the overall style suggests South Asian influences, potentially aligning with works found in collections like The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.