Who painted Ragini Bairari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set?

Ragini Bairari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set was painted by Unknown in 1757.

Where can I see Ragini Bairari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set?

Ragini Bairari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Ragini Bairari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set?

Ragini Bairari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Ragini Bairari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set

Unknown , 1757

Ragini Bairari, Page from a Jaipur Ragamala Set is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

This 18th-century Indian painting, titled Ragini Bairari, is a single page from a Jaipur Ragamala set, a collection of artworks illustrating musical modes (ragas) and their associated emotions and scenes. Executed in the distinctive Jaipur style, it depicts a narrative scene within an architectural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a man, likely a royal figure, seated on a green bed, armed with a sword and bow, surrounded by four attendants. The women’s attentive poses and the man’s weaponry suggest a scene of devotion, protection, or possibly a moment before a hunt or battle, contextualized by the ragamala’s thematic exploration of emotional states.

Technique & Style

Characterized by the Jaipur school’s precision and vibrancy, the painting features intricate lines, flat perspectives, and a distinctive color palette. The yellow and blue two-tone sky, white architectural elements, and the figures’ detailed attire are hallmark techniques of this regional style.

History & Provenance

Originally part of a larger Ragamala set from Jaipur, this painting is now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, indicating its journey from a Indian royal collection to a global museum setting.

Context

Created in 18th-century Jaipur, the piece reflects the patronage of royal courts for Ragamala sets, which blended musical theory with visual storytelling, catering to the aesthetic and intellectual interests of the nobility.

Legacy

As part of a dispersed Ragamala set, Ragini Bairari contributes to the understanding of Jaipur’s artistic output and the broader tradition of Ragamala paintings in Indian art history, valued for its thematic depth and stylistic representation of the period.