Who painted Khadgaroma, Son of Ravana?

Khadgaroma, Son of Ravana was painted by Unknown in 1720.

Where can I see Khadgaroma, Son of Ravana?

Khadgaroma, Son of Ravana is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Khadgaroma, Son of Ravana?

Khadgaroma, Son of Ravana is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Khadgaroma, Son of Ravana

Unknown , 1720

Khadgaroma, Son of Ravana is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a demonic figure whose body is encrusted with innumerable tiny blades, giving the impression that his skin itself is weaponry. He stands against an unadorned backdrop, his hair rendered as a jagged mass, and grips a broad, curved sword in his right hand, emphasizing his martial nature.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is identified as Khadgaroma, son of the mythic Ravana, a name that translates to “he whose body hair is swords.” The profusion of blades across his form visually reinforces this epithet, while the prominent sword underscores his preferred armament within the narrative tradition.

Technique & Style

Executed in a traditional southern Indian illustrative manner, the painting employs flat coloration and linear detailing to render the demon’s armor‑like flesh. The composition is straightforward, with the central figure isolated, allowing the intricate pattern of blades and the curving sword to dominate the visual field.

History & Provenance

The lower margin bears an inscription in Telugu naming the demon; a portion of this text was pasted upside down, suggesting the later handler could not read the script. Above it, a French translation appears, indicating the piece passed through a French‑controlled region of southern India between 1692 and 1761.

Context

Originating from an illustrated storybook of Andhra Pradesh, the image reflects regional conventions for portraying supernatural beings. Such depictions often combine elaborate weaponry with stylized physiognomy to convey the character’s mythic attributes, aligning with broader South Indian visual narratives of gods and demons.