An Illustration to the Rasika Priya of Keshavdas
The Circle of Sahibdin
India, Rajasthan region, Mewar
c. 1645
Opaque watercolors heightened with gold on paper
Folio: 9 1/4 x 7 3/4 in. (23.5 x 19.7 cm.)
Image: 8 1/2 x 7 in. (21.6 x 17.8 cm.)
Inscribed: Three lines of black and red ink Devanagari script in the yellow-buff panel above.
A blue-skinned lord stands at the entrance to Radha’s pavilion. A deaf and night-blind doorkeeper sits at the entry with his stick. Radha is lying down. Her servant stands within a brilliant crimson-colored rectangular interior room. The entire composition compartmentalized by black lines and (principally) primary colors of red, blue and yellow juxtaposed with stark whites against a rich black exterior and green foliage. The upper story of the house with lattice windows and a jutting domed balcony. The subject of this rasa is described by Dehejia (2013) as Radha’s manifest self-endeavor.
There are numerous published examples of paintings executed in this important Mewar style of the royal atelier of Udaipur during the mid Seventeenth Century. The name Sahibdin has emerged as perhaps the most innovative and distinctive artist (and likely master) of that atelier. Several sizable series are known depicting Rasikapriya (Lovers? Breviary) and Ragamala subjects in squarish vertical format as here – as well as epic series like the Ramayana in pothi (horizontal) format. So strong was his influence that name Sahibdin has been associated with miniatures attributable to his hand – and to related works by other artists within his circle – or even by artists influenced by him. The present painting most likely produced by artists working in the circle of Sahibdin within the royal atelier.
Other mid-Seventeenth Century paintings by (or in the manner of) Sahibdin are in public and private collections worldwide. See: Dehejia, H.V., Rasikapriya: Ritikavya of Keshavdas in Ateliers of Love New Delhi, 2013, cat. 5:15, P.188. Dehejia, H.V. (ed.), A Celebration of Love, New Delhi 2005, pps. 130-133. Mason D. et al., Intimate Worlds: Indian Paintings from the Alvin O. Bellak Collection, Philadelphia, 2001, cat. 20, pps. 70-71.
