Untitled

Devidasa of Nurpur

dated 1694–95 · Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper · Asian Art

The Rasamanjari (Essence of the Experience of Delight) is a series of late fifteenth-century poems that subtly categorizes amorous situations, moods, and physical traits of women. In this image, the half-open doorway alludes to the lover’s hasty departure from the palace of his mistress. The marble gateway with darkened portal visually separates the two and forms a visual metaphor for their rift. Unlike earlier versions of this theme, in which the nayaka (lover hero) is represented as Krishna, here that role is played by a princely figure, adding heightened realism to the scene.

Artist

Devidasa of Nurpur

Date

dated 1694–95

Medium

Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper

Culture

India (Punjab Hills, Basohli)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956