Patamanjari Ragini of Dipak, from a Ragamalac. 1740–50 · Study 1990.39

Context from the museum

According to a poem describing this ragini (melody), a lovesick girl plays with a cat to pass the time. Her companion tries to console her. Musical performances of Patamanjari Ragini are based on the sound of a cat’s voice. They evoke the heroine’s feelings of longing to reunite with her lover. This painting was part of an extensive set, each depicting a specific mood and a visual element related to the sound of different melodies.

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

A detail to notice

A young girl and her companion play with a spotted gray cat to pass the time.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for Patamanjari Ragini of Dipak, from a Ragamala is 11.4 cm wide and 18.9 cm high, equivalent to approximately 4.5 × 7.4 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.60:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.02 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 3.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 144.3 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 Patamanjari Ragini of Dipak, from a Ragamala in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera and ink on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 11.4 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?