Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work is a small-scale drawing executed in graphite and ink on paper, featuring a dynamic composition in which a rearing horse carries a lion and a demon that appear to be falling from its back. The image serves as a preparatory study, designed for replication through a pinprick transfer technique.
Subject & Meaning
The scene combines animal and mythological elements, juxtaposing the powerful horse with a lion—often a symbol of royalty—and a demonic figure, suggesting a narrative of conflict or triumph common in regional iconography.
Technique & Style
Lines are rendered in graphite and reinforced with ink; the surface is perforated with minute holes along the outlines, allowing ink dust to pass through for tracing. This method facilitated accurate copying by other artists before the image was enlarged for murals or illustrated manuscripts.
History & Provenance
Originating in Himachal Pradesh, the drawing reflects a local artistic practice where such transferred sketches preceded larger works. The region’s tradition of collaborative production ensured consistency across mural cycles and book illustrations.
Context
In the cultural milieu of northern India, depictions of horses, lions, and demonic beings are linked to religious and heroic narratives, often associated with deities such as Durga, who is portrayed riding a lion or tiger in combat.
Legacy
The piece exemplifies a practical approach to visual transmission in pre‑modern Indian art, illustrating how artists coordinated large‑scale projects through reproducible designs and highlighting the interconnectedness of regional visual vocabularies.
Artist & collection
