Apsara with Harp

ca. 1944

Not on view

Srimati explored musical themes early in her career as a painter. Although this work has its ultimate source in the sixth-century religious murals in the caves of Ajanta, it is far removed from the Buddhist preoccupation with narrative. The dark-skinned celestial musician echoes figure-types seen at Ajanta, while the setting, a balconied roof terrace under moonlight—note the god Shiva’s crescent moon in the upper right—references later Rajput miniature painting. Ultimately, the work is about neither of those historical references, but rather is concerned with the visual representation of music. This is Srimati’s homage to ragamala painting.

Artwork Details

Title: Apsara with Harp
Artist: Y. G. Srimati (Indian, 1926–2007)
Date: ca. 1944
Culture: India (Chennai)
Medium: Watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Image: 13 3/8 in. × 10 in. (34 × 25.4 cm)
Mat: 16 × 22 in. (40.6 × 55.9 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchase, Brooke Russell Astor Bequest, David E. Stutzman and John D. Lamb Gift, and funds from various donors, 2016
Object Number: 2016.799
Rights and Reproduction: © 2016 M. Pellettieri
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Y. G. Srimati

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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Eklavya Practicing Archery before an Icon of Dronacharya, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — Eklavya Practicing Archery before an Icon of Dronacharya
Y. G. Srimati
ca. 1945–46

The Bullock Cart, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — The Bullock Cart
Y. G. Srimati
ca. 1950

Woman with Medallion, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Transparent and opaque watercolor, and graphite on paper, India (Chennai) — Woman with Medallion
Y. G. Srimati
early 1940s

Young Woman in Dressing Room, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — Young Woman in Dressing Room
Y. G. Srimati
early 1940s

Vishvarupa, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — Vishvarupa
Y. G. Srimati
1961

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