The Heroine Who is Faithfully Loved: Madhya Svadhinapatika Nayika, from a Rasamanjari of Bhanudatta

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs The Heroine Who is Faithfully Loved: Madhya Svadhinapatika Nayika, from a Rasamanjari of Bhanudatta as painting (Northern India, Pahari kingdoms · c. 1710).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

The man at right nervously grasps his scarf as he respectfully approaches his lover and her companion.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

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A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this painting as Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper.

The museum's collection notes: The heroine sits in front of a red cushion confiding in her friend that she feels passionate desire for her husband, but she firmly refuses his advances. Nevertheless, he continues to wait for her, remains faithful, ready to honor her. Among the different types of heroines described in the popular collection of poems called the Rasamanjari , she is projected as the supreme type.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtThe Heroine Who is Faithfully Loved: Madhya Svadhinapatika Nayika, from a Rasamanjari of Bhanudatta

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