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Woman and a Painter

Woman and a Painter

about 1790–1800
Object PlaceStyle of Kangra, Punjab Hills, India
Medium/TechniqueOpaque watercolor and gold on paper
DimensionsOverall: 17.7 x 14.7 cm (6 15/16 x 5 13/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Ananda K. Coomaraswamy
Accession number22.675
On View
Not on view
ClassificationsPaintings
Collections
InscriptionsOn separate piece of paper, possibly once the backing or cover of the painting, in Hindi: From evening to morning, and morning to evening, the days are passing and months go by. What do you know of the woes of others? None but the wise understands! I gave you freely clean paper, fresh and shining like glass Oh, painter! how many days have passed, and you have not drawn the picture of my friend! (The painter answers): I shall so prepare the portrait of yourself and your friend that instantly in the picture the divided lovers shall meet. (Translation by Coomaraswamy)
ProvenanceProbably acquired in India by Ananda Coomaraswamy (b. 1877 - d. 1947), Needham, MA; 1922, gift of Ananda Coomaraswamy to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 19, 1922)