On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Pounced Drawing for Astrologer and Holy Men
Attributed to Govardhan
Not on view
In an age when the insights of astrologers held great power over kings and their subjects, Govardhan takes us into the mystical world of a saintly seer and his holy disciples. The old man gazes into a book, surrounded by some of his instruments—an hour glass, an ink well, a globe, and a pendulum. The psychological depth in the faces of the other figures amplifies the theme of contemplation. The pose of the Europeanized yogi in the foreground is typical of the artist, as is the atmospheric setting with a thatched hut and a Persian water wheel. An artist (possibly Govardhan) made the drawing either before or after the painting, then finely pricked its outline (pouncing) to transfer it to another folio; it is rare that both versions here survive.
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