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Shurpanakha demands vengeance, from the “Shangri” Ramayana
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In a dramatic climax, the artists introduce the demon king, Ravana (the Howler), archvillain of the <em>Ramayana</em>. He has 10 crowned heads and 20 arms. He grasps a different deadly weapon in each hand; they reveal his supreme powers. The demon Shurpanakha’s nose and ears are healing, but her desire for revenge is stronger than ever. She gestures emphatically at her brother Ravana, urging him to find a way to destroy Rama, perhaps by kidnapping Rama’s wife. More gold has been lavished on this painting than any other known from the <em>“Shangri” Ramayana</em>, suggesting that it is meant to stand out as a scene of primary importance.
| Artist / Maker | Northern India, Pahari kingdoms |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1700 |
| Culture / Origin | Northern India, Pahari kingdoms |
| Medium | Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper |
| Dimensions | Painting: 18.4 x 28.9 cm (7 1/4 x 11 3/8 in.); Page: 21.6 x 31.8 cm (8 1/2 x 12 1/2 in.) |
| Department | Indian and Southeast Asian Art |
| Type | Painting |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
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