c. 1770

The Devoted Wife (Svakiya Nayika)

This painting illustrates a verse from a lengthy poem that classifies lovers and amorous situations, written by seventeenth-century court poet Bihari for the ruler of Amber (Jaipur). While her husband is away, the devoted wife (on the right) awaits his return with passionate longing. Under cover of night, she begins to climb a stairway that will take her to an observation tower on the roof of the palace where she intends to meditate upon her beloved while observing the moon. In the moment depicted here, her friend lays a hand on her shoulder and cautions that she should not ascend. If she views the waning moon, she may be reminded of her unfulfilled desire.