Jatayu hinders Ravana’s chariot, trying to prevent the abduction of Sita (recto), from a Kalighat albumc. 1890 · Study 2003.109.a

Context from the museum

With his colossal u-shaped beak and green wings, the ruler of the vultures, Jatayu, appears assured of victory against the multiheaded demon lord Ravana. This scene, the battle between Jatayu and Ravana, was especially subject to variation. In the Bengali Ramayana, Jatayu initially swallows Ravana—aerial chariot and all—but vomits the villain when he realizes Sita, the wife of his friend Rama, is also aboard. Later, Ravana fatally wounds Jatayu and takes Sita as his prisoner. Doing so sets in motion the events that lead to Ravana’s downfall at the hands of Rama, the only being capable of ending the demon’s reign.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

The underdrawing of this painting was done in graphite and is visible in some areas.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting measurement for Jatayu hinders Ravana’s chariot, trying to prevent the abduction of Sita (recto), from a Kalighat album is 25.5 cm wide and 30.4 cm high, equivalent to approximately 10.0 × 12.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.84:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.08 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 8.5% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 137.3 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Jatayu hinders Ravana’s chariot, trying to prevent the abduction of Sita (recto), from a Kalighat album in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera, graphite, and tin on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 25.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?