Sindhu Ragac. 1720 · Study 2004.110

Context from the museum

The inscription at the top identifies this painting as Sindhu Raga, which is the raga (or musical mode) of heroic sentiment. The painting is meant to elicit the same feelings in the viewer as a rousing piece of music played in the Sindhu key. Paintings of Sindhu Raga depict battle scenes. In this example, the composition conveys the chaotic melee and violence of war. Heads are being lopped off; carrion birds swoop down unfazed. Above the horizon against the sky at the far right is the god of war, Karttikeya, in his chariot. Three angels carry garlands for the dead.

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

A detail to notice

Most of the warriors are on horseback and are armed with bows and arrows, swords, lances, and shields, as well as rifles. Two elephants appear in the foreground.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for Sindhu Raga is 27.9 cm wide and 48.1 cm high, equivalent to approximately 11.0 × 18.9 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.58:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.13 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 9.3% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 136.1 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 Sindhu Raga 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 27.9 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?