Rama Painting, South India

Coronation of Rama & Sita (Ramapattabhisheka) – Painting on Paper on Board

dimensions without frame but with painted borders: 35cm x 40.6cm

This painting of Rama and attendants is on paper stuck down on board. It dates to around 1830 and is in a frame that probably is contemporary. The painting was acquired in the UK (from Liverpool) and almost certainly has been in the UK since colonial times.

The formulation is a known type but this example is unusually fine and more detailed than most.

It shows Rama with green skin seated on a throne beneath an elaborate gilded, cusped arch and against a red background. He sits in

lalitasana with his left leg raised. Sita, his consort, sits to his left. Laksamana, his brother, sits to his right. His other two brothers, Bharata and Shatrughna, are seated on Sita’s left (our right). All five are copiously laden with gold jewellery befitting their divine status.

Also seated on Rama’s right are the seven sages – bearded and with almost European or perhaps Persian features.

Rama’s allies, the monkeys are below. A green-skinned Hanuman kneels before Rama’s throne and holds Rama’s right foot in his hands. Meanwhile, Sugriva, the king of the monkeys stands before the throne and is opening a treasure chest, the contents of which are to be distributed among Rama’s allies.

According to Dallapiccola (2010, p. 109), such a layout follows the large

Ramapattabhisheka scenes reproduced in nineteenth century Thanjavur (Tanjore) paintings.

The painting is bright and in a stable condition. There has been some loss to the blue in the upper register but there is little or no fading and otherwise is in a fine condition.