"Never put your subject in the center of the picture." One of the first lessons of composition is upended in this touching 18th century Indian miniature. A young woman sits, huddled, by the water. One hand wipes her tears as she cries while the other hand braces her against the ground, offering some contact. The foliage behind her mimics her conflicted emotions: on one side a willow weeps downward toward the river; on the other blossoming branches reach up toward the light. Even the little flowers beside her join in. She is the fulcrum of the picture and we sense the movement of the planets in the trees behind her. Distress is its title, but the painting suggests an alternative. At the moment, the woman faces toward sadness, yet the possibility of hope is present even as she cannot see it. The unknown artist offers us in this exquisitvely rendered moment, a world of wisdom distilled.Image: Musee Guimet, Paris.
5 comments:
What a touching tribute to the wounded heart, which, hopefully, will prevail. Another love; another chance at happiness - maybe in another form. Yes, even the flowers look distressed. Yet again, thanks for posting your wonderful "finds."
Beautiful post, all of it the picture and the words, thanks for sharing that.
Beautiful image and wise comment.
Thank you all, for your comments. I don't know much about Indian art and may be missing many things in this image. Nevertheless, it speaks to me - and to all who take the time to look.
How lucky the artist didn't know the first rule of compisition!
Such a peaceful image.
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