Radha's hair being dressed

c. 1790–1800

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

Medium

Gum tempera with touches of color on paper

Measurements

Image: 25 x 17 cm (9 13/16 x 6 11/16 in.); Overall: 29.7 x 20.3 cm (11 11/16 x 8 in.)

Credit Line

Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1969.35

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Location

242B Indian Painting

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Did You Know?

Radha’s mirror, as well as the curving bodies of the women and their fans, mimic the ovular frame of the drawing.

Description

Radha appears in the center, applying an ornament in the mirror. She and her friends do not realize that Krishna is watching from a second-story window. Her attendants hold up a curtain to give her privacy, while others fix her hair, hold the mirror, whisk away the flies, and bring her drinks. In the background, musicians carry instruments for a performance. This drawing is probably a study for a finished painting rather than an underdrawing that was meant to be painted over, due to the care and attention given to the fine details and expressions.