Artwork
Rama, Sita and Lakshman
Rama, Sita and Lakshman is a paint painting by Unknown. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This Madhubani painting from 1973 depicts Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in a stylized, narrative scene, characterized by bold colors, floral motifs, and simplified forms, typical of the tradition's adaptation to paper for external audiences.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a key scene from the Ramayana, with Sita (in yellow and orange) between her husband Rama and his brother Lakshmana, conveying themes of familial unity and devotion central to the epic.
Technique & Style
Executed in ink and paint on paper, the work features distinctive Madhubani elements: dark-outlined, simplified facial expressions, vibrant, flat forms, and dense, stylized floral patterns framing the central figures.
History & Provenance
Created in 1973, this piece reflects the period's shift in Madhubani painting from wall art for ceremonial use by Brahmin and Kayastha women in the Mithila region, to works on paper for a broader market.
Context
Originating from northern Bihar's Mithila region, Madhubani paintings like this one traditionally served ritual and ceremonial purposes, now evolving to balance preservation of cultural heritage with modern commercial appeal.
Legacy
As part of the Madhubani tradition's evolution, this work contributes to the global visibility of Indian folk art, influencing contemporary practices and appealing to audiences interested in vibrant, narrative folk traditions.
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
