Rama and Lakshmana Watch as the Monkey Princes Wrestle
ca. 1800
In this pivotal scene in the Hindu epic the Ramayana, brothers Rama and Lakshmana watch and will later intervene in the battle between two other brothers, Vali and Sugriva. As identical twins, the monkey princes Vali and Sugriva are difficult to distinguish in this painting, except for the necklace worn around Sugriva’s neck. This key identifying ornament enables Rama to differentiate between the two, and he will shoot and kill Vali. This story is enacted in a hilly landscape punctuated by trees since Rama is in exile. Rama is painted blue to indicate that he is an avatar of Vishnu.
Gouache and gold on paper
9 3/4 x 13 7/16 in. (24.8 x 34.2 cm)
Floyd A. Naramore Memorial Purchase Fund
75.9
