Manuscripts painted for the many small Hindu courts in Rajasthan and the Himalayan foothills illustrate a variety of texts that narrate the myths surrounding the Hindu gods, or deal with the theme of romantic love. The artists at these courts, like the sculptors, were only rarely interested in simulating reality. Rather, they employed rhythmic contours and fields of intense color to create fanciful worlds of the imagination. Even when painting portraits of the rajas (kings) and nobility, the artists emphasized composition, pattern, and color over depth and individual appearance. next page

The Goddess Worshiped by the Sage Chyavana India, Punjab Hills, ca. 1660–70 Opaque watercolor, gold, silver, and beetlewing cases on paper 21.3 x 23.1 cm (8 1/2 x 9 in.) Purchase    F1997.8

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art Exhibition List | Online Exhibitions All presented material is copyright © Smithsonian Institution, 2008 except where otherwise noted.