Currently not on view
Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more
Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more
Currently not on view
Dipaka means light or flame. It evokes the beauty of light, particularly at night, and its effect on the meeting of lovers. In musical form, the raga is played at night. In visual form, affectionate lovers are shown near a bright candle in the late evening. The verses at the top of the page may be translated as:
Full of light, the city's form is charming in the night.
The beloved brings a glowing lamp to the tryst, so that the lovemaking may be enchanted with amorous play.
The myriad gold ornaments soothe the spirit.
Thus the poet, Govinda, assigns Dipaka the foremost position among the ragas.
Currently not on view
Title: | A Couple by Candlelight (Dipaka Raga) Page from a dispersed ragamala series |
Date: | c. 1756 |
Artist: | Artist/maker unknown, Indian |
Medium: | Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver-colored paint on paper |
Dimensions: | Image: 10 3/4 × 6 15/16 inches (27.3 × 17.6 cm) Sheet: 12 11/16 × 8 3/4 inches (32.2 × 22.2 cm) Mount: 15 1/2 × 11 5/8 inches (39.4 × 29.5 cm) |
Classification: | Paintings |
Credit Line: | Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994 |
Accession Number: | 1994-148-420 |
Geography: | Made in Rajasthan, India, Asia Probably made in Malpura, Rajasthan, India, Asia |
We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.
Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.
Currently not on view