Princess Looking into Mirror by Nathu, Bikaner School, 1665 AD.
Bikaner School was heavily influenced by the Mughal miniatures as is reflected in this painting. All the three women wear muslim dresses: a 'peshwaz' (gown), 'churidar' pajamas and 'dupatta'. The maid holding the flywisk wears a muslim cap. The setting of the painting is also Mughal, with the Cyprus tree in the background and the rows pf flowers in the foreground.
The Bikaner miniatures are distinguishable from the Mughal ones. The Bikaner artists contrast areas of bold colours with areas of pastel colours. In this painting the bold orange of the carpet is in contrast witth the mint green of the sky. The dark green of the mango tree is in contrast with the pinks of the dresses worn by the women. The use of the pastel colours give the paintings a feeling of being quiet, serene, harmonious.
The theme of the painting is bit unclear. Is it a princess who is sitting in her garden, perhaps waiting for a lover, or is it Ragani Vilaval which is generally depicted as a woman looking into a mirror. A woman looking into a mirror is a common theme in Indian art. It is as much about 'shringar' ( about adorning oneself, about self-indulgence) as it is about introspection, reflection about reality about searching for the divinity which resides within each of us.
The Bikaner miniatures are distinguishable from the Mughal ones. The Bikaner artists contrast areas of bold colours with areas of pastel colours. In this painting the bold orange of the carpet is in contrast witth the mint green of the sky. The dark green of the mango tree is in contrast with the pinks of the dresses worn by the women. The use of the pastel colours give the paintings a feeling of being quiet, serene, harmonious.
The theme of the painting is bit unclear. Is it a princess who is sitting in her garden, perhaps waiting for a lover, or is it Ragani Vilaval which is generally depicted as a woman looking into a mirror. A woman looking into a mirror is a common theme in Indian art. It is as much about 'shringar' ( about adorning oneself, about self-indulgence) as it is about introspection, reflection about reality about searching for the divinity which resides within each of us.
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