Back to Archive
Shurpanakha demands vengeance, from the "Shangri" Ramayana
Interactive Gigazoom • Scroll or Double-Click
100%
The Cleveland Museum of Art

Shurpanakha demands vengeance, from the "Shangri" Ramayana

Description

In a dramatic climax, the artists introduce the demon king, Ravana (the Howler), archvillain of the Ramayana. 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 “Shangri” Ramayana, suggesting that it is meant to stand out as a scene of primary importance.

Provenance

Unknown; (Walter LeRoy Randel Jr. [b. 1932], New York, NY, sold to Ralph Benkaim); Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection, Los Angeles, CA; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH

Dimensions

18.4 × 28.9 cm

Accession No

2018.107

Curatorial Affinity Stream

Continuing the Universe of Unknown Artist

Indian and Southeast Asian Art • Northern India, Pahari kingdoms • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries

Shurpanakha demands vengeance, from the "Shangri" Ramayana by Unknown Artist (c. 1700) | PublicArk | PublicArk