Artwork Page for Queen Trishala's Grief and Happiness, Folio 29 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

Details / Information for Queen Trishala's Grief and Happiness, Folio 29 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

Queen Trishala's Grief and Happiness, Folio 29 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

c. 1475–1500

Western India, Gujarat

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Medium
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Measurements
Overall: 12.5 x 25.7 cm (4 15/16 x 10 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1932.119.29.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This page discusses the pregnancy of Queen Trishala when she was anxious about why she could not feel the baby move. In the painting she addresses her handmaids: “Has the child in my womb been destroyed? Has he been killed? Have I suffered a miscarriage? The child used to move, but now he does not move.” The baby is Mahavira, who will grow to be the historical founder of the Jain religion. According to the text, he remained motionless out of compassion for his mother, not wishing to disturb her. Once he realized how worried she was, he made a little movement, and this filled her with joy.
A horizontally oriented paper folio features columns of black and red script surrounding a solid red circle. To the right, two stacked rectangular panels with red backgrounds depict figures with gold skin and large eyes, wearing blue and gold patterned garments. A narrow column of text borders the far right edge. The composition balances dense calligraphic blocks with vibrant, tiered narrative illustrations painted in tempera and ink.

Queen Trishala's Grief and Happiness, Folio 29 (recto), from a Kalpa-sutra

c. 1475–1500

Western India, Gujarat

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