Megha Malhār Rāga, from a Rāgamālā Series

ca. 1960-62, likely purchased in India* by Earnest C. and Jane Werner Watson (Santa Barbara, CA); 1971, deposited on long-term loan to the Elvehjem Art Center [now called Chazen Museum of Art]; December 1982, gifted by Jane Werner Watson (Santa Barbara, CA) to the Elvehjem Museum of Art [now called Chazen Museum of Art].   *General donor file contains correspondence from Mrs. Watson stating that she and Mr. Watson’s collection of Indian art and artifacts was begun and amassed while living in New Delhi between 1960 and 1962; however, specific acquisition information is not documented.

• Elvehjem Art Center. "Indian Miniature Painting: The Collection of Earnest C. Watson & Jane Werner Watson." Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1971. no. 196
• Vajracharya, Gautam V. "Watson Collection of Indian Miniatures at the Elvehjem Museum of Art." Madison: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 2002. no. 96; pl. 22
• Elvehjem Museum of Art. "Two Faces of South Asian Art: Textiles and Paintings." Madison: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 1984. no. 2.54

• Courtship in Indian Miniatures from the Watson Collection: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 11/10/2001–1/6/2002
• Indian Miniatures: Wright Museum of Art, Beloit College, 1/21/1986–2/14/1986
• Art of Storytelling: Art of India from Wisconsin Collections, The: Elvehjem Museum of Art, 10/26/1985–1/19/1986
• Two Faces of South Asian Art: Textiles and Painting: , 2/4/1984–3/18/1984
• Indian Miniature Painting: The Collection of Earnest C. and James Werner Watson: Elvehjem Art Center, 10/29/1971–1/2/1972

This colorful and highly detailed manuscript painting features a dancing deity figure with blue skin tone holding a flute in their right hand above their head on a green field under a cloudy night sky. The dancing figure has a green halo around their head and wears a jeweled gold crown, opulent jewelry, and bright yellow baggy pants. Four figures with medium light skin tones flank the central figure, two on each side, each adorned in vibrant, intricately patterned floor-length skirts and elaborate jewelry. The figure to the left of the central figure plays a blue drum with a gold floral pattern. A gap between the lush green trees behind the figures reveals a dark night sky with clouds outlined in gold. The entire composition is framed by an ornate yellow and green border with gold floral accents and contains text at the top in Devanagari script.

• Asia
• Jane Werner Watson Collection
• Alt Text Accessible
• Miniature Paintings & Manuscripts

The Chazen Museum of Art welcomes comments or inquiries about works in our collection. Please allow two–three weeks for a response. Chazen staff is not able to provide valuations or authentications and such inquiries cannot be answered.