The Virgin and Child Attended by Angels 1550 - 1650

This delicate Indian drawing, The Virgin and Child Attended by Angels, was made by Manohar around the turn of the 17th century, using ink and opaque watercolor on paper. The paper support itself is built up in layers, with the central image surrounded by decorative borders. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the paper, and the way the artist has used thin washes of color to create subtle gradations of tone. This reflects a highly refined painting tradition, where the handling of materials was as important as the image itself. Miniature painting in India at this time was often a collaborative process, involving multiple artists specializing in different aspects of the work, from drawing and painting to the application of gold leaf. This division of labor reflects the hierarchical nature of the court workshops where these paintings were produced, and speaks to the complex social dynamics that shaped their creation. Paying attention to materials, making, and context helps us to understand the full meaning of this artwork.