Laxman Pulls Out a Thorn from Rama's Feet
Kangra School. Late 18th century AD.
Although this is a painting of a subject from the Ramayana, but this doesn't seem to be from the series painted by Godhu. Stylistically it is different from his series. The figures are more delicate, the landscape is not drawn meticulously, the theme is inaccurate. For Rama, Sita, Laxman are shown together with Hanuman. But Rama and Laxman had met Hanuman only after Sitaji was abducted by Ravana.
Yet this painting is a delicate and a beautiful one. Rama lies across, pointing to the place where the thorn has pierced his foot. Sita fans him with a lotus leaf; Laxman, the ever so dutiful brother, tries to extract the thorn. Hanuman, symbol of curiosity looks at his own image in the flowing river. Notice the dead deer, killed by the two brothers.
The painting depicts the close binding of the family. It also draws the sacrifice a man makes for his family. Yet, it also portrays the narcissistic nature of Man--in the figure of Hanuman. He is happy to see his own reflection in the water. River is the symbol of life. Some of us are so obsessed with ourselves that we overlook the divinity around us.
Yet this painting is a delicate and a beautiful one. Rama lies across, pointing to the place where the thorn has pierced his foot. Sita fans him with a lotus leaf; Laxman, the ever so dutiful brother, tries to extract the thorn. Hanuman, symbol of curiosity looks at his own image in the flowing river. Notice the dead deer, killed by the two brothers.
The painting depicts the close binding of the family. It also draws the sacrifice a man makes for his family. Yet, it also portrays the narcissistic nature of Man--in the figure of Hanuman. He is happy to see his own reflection in the water. River is the symbol of life. Some of us are so obsessed with ourselves that we overlook the divinity around us.
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