Cleveland Museum of Art

Radha's hair being dressed

Date

c. 1790–1800

Medium

Gum tempera with touches of color on paper

Culture

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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. Radha’s mirror, as well as the curving bodies of the women and their fans, mimic the ovular frame of the drawing.

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