Sugriva was painted by Unknown in 1720.

Where can I see Sugriva?

Sugriva is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Sugriva?

Sugriva is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Sugriva

Unknown , 1720

Sugriva 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 Sugriva, the monkey king from the Ramayana, seated in a cross‑legged pose with his right hand raised in a reassuring gesture. He is crowned, adorned with jewelry, and framed by a modest gold halo, conveying his regal status within the narrative.

Subject & Meaning

Sugrava is shown offering comfort, a visual echo of his role as Rama’s loyal companion in the battle against Ravana. The raised hand conveys the traditional "fear not" sign, emphasizing his protective and supportive character in the epic tale.

Technique & Style

Executed by South Indian muralists, the painting combines the flat, decorative qualities of temple frescoes with a restrained palette. The gold halo and intricate jewelry reflect conventional iconography, while the simplified background highlights the figure’s gesture.

History & Provenance

Created in the 18th century for French Jesuit missionaries, the piece formed part of a series intended to teach European clergy about local deities and literary heroes. The artists adapted their temple mural techniques to produce images suitable for a foreign audience.

Context

During the 1700s, Jesuit missions in Andhra Pradesh sought visual aids to convey Hindu narratives to missionaries unfamiliar with Indian culture. This painting illustrates the reciprocal exchange in which Indian artists modified traditional forms to meet the educational needs of the French clergy.