Painting "Raga Dipaka" (oil lamp ragamala) by Dwarka Lal (1915-), Rajasthan, India, gouache, mid-20th century, H: 10.2 in. (25.908 cm), W: 7 in. (17.78 cm).

Another notable piece is this 15th century statue of an armed saint. He is holding a sword and shield, with ear ornaments, a diapanous skirt and asymetrical turban. The square base has a domed upper portion and is perforated to accept a pole or other arrangement for processional transport during celebrations.

  Standing figure of a saint, Vijanagar, India, circa 15th century, bronze, H: 11.2 in. (28.448 cm), W: 4.1 in. (10.414 cm)

An interesting piece in the show is a ragamala painting by Dwarka Lal. The internationally acclaimed artist was born at Nathdwara, the headquarters of the Vallabh Sect of Krishna Cult, to a family of artists whose own personal history is some 250 years old.

Lal is part of a history of art patronage at Nathdwara that is over 500 years old, even today artists asscociated with the temple are entitled to its benefits in exchange for their artistic talents. Lal began his career like many other artists before him, working on wall paintings in the temple. Today he is considered to be the greatest contemporary artist of miniature paintings.

Ragamala paintings, such as the one presented, are attempts to make an abstract thought concrete. A raga, an Indian musical form, is an audible form created to express emotions, sensations, or feelings. Similiarly, ragamala paintings are emotions expressed through a plastic form. Some ragamalas express the temperment of seasons, others beauty, or love and devotion. The verbal descriptions, which are often found as part of the paintings, express the spirit of the raga. They describe the subject, the characterstics of the raga and the literal expression of the painting through the verses.

This sketch portrays one of many legendary encounters between the princely Krishna and his lover Radha, as the she is in the act of fetching water. The artist suggests many ambiguous impulses in this simple drawing, as the prince seeks to detain Radha, he simultaneously keeps one eye on the tilting water jug. For her part, Radha, while walking away from her admirer, fully turns her upper body and downcast gaze toward him.

Sketch of Krishna detaining Radha, Central India, Late 19th century, Ink on paper, H: 5.5 in. (13.97 cm), W: 8.5 in. (21.59 cm)