Artwork Page for Lovers Embracing

Details / Information for Lovers Embracing

Lovers Embracing

c. 1630

Mughal India

Medium
Gum tempera and gold on paper
Measurements
Image: 14.9 x 10.1 cm (5 7/8 x 4 in.); Overall: 24 x 16.8 cm (9 7/16 x 6 5/8 in.); with mat: 35.5 x 25.4 cm (14 x 10 in.)
Credit Line
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund 1971.91
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Erotic metaphors in visual poetry: bees fly to blossoms as rain clouds approach.

Description

The twining and coiling of the patterns on the carpet and large floor cushion mirror the interlaced bodies of the amorous couple. The clinging grapevine also references the wine they share from one cup.

Such a carpet was not to be walked on, so the lovers do not wear shoes. It provides a luxurious furnishing to the intimate outdoor space. Here, the floral patterns evoke the pleasures of paradise. The textile patterns have been rendered with such precision that they appear like colorful enamel work or inlaid jewels. A covered golden box at right contains aromatic betel nut treats (paan) that freshen the breath.
Horizontally oriented painting depicting two people seated outside, embracing on a floral-patterned blue carpet. A man with medium-light skin tone, grabs and tilts towards him the chin of the woman, with light skin tone and holding a gold cup and vessel. Behind, a person with medium-light skin tone stands looking away to our right. Behind to the left, a tree stands in front of a cloudy, blue sky across which fly a line of insects.

Lovers Embracing

c. 1630

Mughal India

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