The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 18, 2025

Vertically oriented drawing in mostly black ink on beige paper depicting Radha, a woman looking in a mirror as another fixes her long, dark hair. A person holds up the mirror, Radha's reflection drawn in orange, while another holds up a curtain, dividing this scene from women carrying instruments towards a building complex in the background. From above, Krishna, a human-like god, peers from under a window shade in a building on the left.

Radha's Hair Being Dressed

c. 1790–1800

Northern India, Himachal Pradesh, Pahari Kingdom of Kangra

ink with touches of color on paper
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.)
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1969.35
Location: Not on view

Description

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. Our attention is so focused on Radha in the center, as she applies an ornament in the mirror, that we scarcely notice Krishna peeping at her 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, female musicians carry instruments for a performance.
  • Supernatural Love - Indian Gallery 242 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (April 1-September 9, 2019).
    Year in Review: 1969. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (January 27-February 22, 1970).
  • {{cite web|title=Radha's Hair Being Dressed|url=false|author=|year=c. 1790–1800|access-date=18 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1969.35