Sarang Raga from the Sirohi Ragamala

Object Details

Court: Sirohi Court
School/Tradition: Rajput school
Label: The pulsating energy, sophisticated geometry, and heated palette of this painting present the Sirohi school at its finest. While Sarang raga is usually represented as an ascetic calmly playing music, this artist shifted the emphasis to the two leaping deer in the center. He also enlivened a rigorous architectural grid with calligraphic flourishes and inserted witty illusions, such as a golden window into the black night sky. The electric contrast of pale blue ash upon the yogi's peach complexion and the expansively spiraling foliage epitomize the Sirohi master's daring style, as well as his impeccable control of the watercolor medium.
Provenance: From 1973 to 1992; Baron and Baroness Bachofen von Echt, purchased at auction, Sotheby's, July 11, 1973, lot no. 135 [1]; From 1992; Freer Gallery of Art, purchased at auction, "The Bachofen von Echt Collection," Sotheby's, London, April 29, 1992, lot no. 36 [2]; Notes:; [1] According to Curatorial Note 4 in the object record.; [2] See note 1.
Collection: Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History: Body Image (October 14, 2017 - ongoing); Yoga: The Art of Transformation (October 19, 2013 to January 26, 2014); Arts of the Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas (October 16, 2004 to January 3, 2016); South and South East Asian Art (May 9, 1993 to February 7, 2000)
Previous custodian or owner: Baron and Baroness Bachofen von Echt; Sotheby's (London)

ca. 1680-1690

Related Online Resources: Google Cultural Institute
See more items in: Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ye3341453e0-2c3b-4eec-a18d-e7a3ac4d672a