A group of musicians
This lively painting of three itinerant musicians performing in an open landscape was produced in Thanjavur, which in the late 18th century was the center of the Nayaka culture. They are readily identifiable as being of Maratha-descent by the distinctive broad turbans (pheta) that they wear. Each sports an extravagant moustache and wears large earrings set with a pearl or gemstone. Triple horizontal forehead marks with a red tilak dot indicates their sectarian allegiance as devotees of Shiva.
Artwork Details
- Title: A group of musicians
- Date: ca. 1800–10
- Culture: India, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- Medium: Gouache with gold on card
- Dimensions: Image: 14 15/16 × 10 7/8 in. (38 × 27.6 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Kipper Family Foundation Gift, 2025
- Object Number: 2025.523
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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