from a collection of Twenty Calcutta Paintings, watercolor on handmade paper, heightened with gold metallic paint; termed the post cards of the period.

Heroine with Peacock, 19th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Watercolor on paperexpand_more

Gift of Rhodes Robertsonexpand_more  64.65.19

Not on Viewexpand_more

This alluring and voluptuous woman represents a nayika, or a woman in love, a common theme in medieval Indian literature and seventeenth and eighteenth century manuscript painting. The peacock she holds on her lap is a trope from Indian painting, a metaphor for the longing she feels for her absent lover. Her fancy white dotted sari, with a red and blue border, slips down to reveal her full breasts, a pose doubtlessly intended to titillate the viewer.

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Details
Title
Heroine with Peacock
Role
Artist
Accession Number
64.65.19
Curator Approved

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from a collection of Twenty Calcutta Paintings, watercolor on handmade paper, heightened with gold metallic paint; termed the post cards of the period.