A Harem Scene

$80
Item Code: MD20
Specifications:
Water Color On old urdu manuscript Paper
Dimensions 3.5" x 6.6"
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
100% Made in India
100% Made in India
Fair trade
Fair trade
This painting in 17th century Rajput style rendered with fine details and smallest segment of space beautifully ornamented using floral patterns and fine inlay depicts a prince and his consort or a concubine preparing for union. Polygamy characterised the feudal life in medieval days. Hence, each of the harem inmates awaited her lord to come to her chamber and favour her with an evening of love. With whomsoever the prince was, she put best of endeavours to please and retain him with whatever means for as long a time as possible. Her maid of confidence was usually deployed to fetch him to her and when he was there to assist her in retaining him. And, usually wine was the most effective instrument, which incited in him greater passion and readiness to unite with her in love.

The couple attended by a maid serving wine is on the terrace of the harem. It has a beautifully ornamented portico overlooking a river on its back. The deep blue waters of the river, a boat heading homeward, the yellowish red sky and the shrubs disappearing in darkness define the emergence of evening. They have a large bolster on their back and a carpet under them. The princess, drawn by the prince into his lap, is strongly clasping him by her left hand, whereas in her right hand she is holding a goblet filled with wine to serve her lord by her own hands. The maid has one more but only to alternate it with that in the hand of the princess when the same has been emptied by the prince. The niches containing blue and red jars alternating each other are typically a part of Islamic architecture. So are floor's borders with yellow base, red flowers and green creepers. Though a little crowded, which the canvas size conditioned, the painting is a fine miniature created by blending with Rajasthani art the elements of Mughal art school.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

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