Artwork
Malasri Ragini
Malasri Ragini is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1750 opaque watercolor on paper is a Ragamala painting illustrating the musical mode Malasri Ragini. It depicts a serene scene of two women, with one seated and the other standing, set against a muted backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The painting represents Malasri Ragini, a musical mode, through the imagery of a woman holding lotus flowers (implied by the small object in her hand, often symbolizing lotus in such contexts). The interaction between the two women may suggest the mode's emotional or narrative connotations.
Technique & Style
The artist employed opaque watercolor on paper, characteristic of Ragamala paintings. The use of a limited color palette (yellow, blue, red, pink, black, and muted backgrounds) and deliberate composition fosters an atmosphere of intimacy and contemplation.
History & Provenance
Originally part of the Gayer-Anderson collection, the painting was donated by twin brothers. It is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
Context
As a Ragamala painting, it belongs to a tradition of illustrating musical modes (ragas and raginis) through visual arts, common in Indian subcontinental art during the 18th century.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
