A MASSIVE SOLID-CAST BRONZE FIGURE OF RADHA, WEST BENGAL OR ORISSA, 16TH–17TH CENTURY
A MASSIVE SOLID-CAST BRONZE FIGURE OF RADHA, WEST BENGAL OR ORISSA, 16TH–17TH CENTURY
Eastern India. Finely cast, the female figure standing in a slight tribhanga upon a rectangular base, the torso gently turned to her right, the right arm hanging pendant beside the body and the left hand raised in karanamudra. The sensuously modeled figure is clad in a short, closely fitted lower garment, emphasizing the narrow waist and rounded hips. Her face bears a lively, subtly humorous expression, with large almond-shaped eyes beneath arched brows, a broad nose, and full lips forming a faint smile, flanked by pierced earlobes, and the hair smoothly drawn back from the face.
Expert's note: The exceptionally heavy, solid casting of the present figure is characteristic of high-quality metal sculpture produced in eastern India during the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in Orissa. Closely related sculptures from this period are likewise distinguished by their substantial weight and massive, solid-cast construction, requiring a considerable quantity of metal. This technical feature, together with the robust modeling and sculptural density of the figure, strongly supports the proposed dating to the 16th–17th century.
Provenance: From a private collection in Paris, France.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities. Scattered nicks to the body, small dings to the integral base, the hair partially lost to the back, surface corrosion, and signs of weathering. The bronze with a naturally grown patina with areas of malachite encrustations.
Weight: 5,131 g
Dimensions: Height 31.2 cm
This female figure, from the eastern Indian region of West Bengal or Orissa, is almost certainly Radha, lover of the god Krishna. As a human woman who devotes herself completely and passionately to her god, Radha exemplifies an ideal for Krishna devotees to emulate. By the strength of her devotion, she is transformed from a beloved human "gopi" (cowherd) into a divine goddess.
Radha is worshiped through sculptures like this one. Within a shrine, the sculpture would be dressed and adorned with jewelry, and a flower might be placed in her left hand. The repeated application of ritual liquids, such as river water or oil, and centuries of devotional touching have smoothed Radha's facial features.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related copper alloy figure of Radha from West Bengal, dated to the 16th century, 16 cm high, in the Walters Art Museum, accession number 54.2962.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 20 March 2024, lot 542
Estimate: USD 15,000 or approx. EUR 14,000 converted at the time of writing
Description: A brass figure of Radha, India, Orissa, 17th century
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and manner of casting with similar pose. Note the size (25.1 cm).
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
A MASSIVE SOLID-CAST BRONZE FIGURE OF RADHA, WEST BENGAL OR ORISSA, 16TH–17TH CENTURY
Eastern India. Finely cast, the female figure standing in a slight tribhanga upon a rectangular base, the torso gently turned to her right, the right arm hanging pendant beside the body and the left hand raised in karanamudra. The sensuously modeled figure is clad in a short, closely fitted lower garment, emphasizing the narrow waist and rounded hips. Her face bears a lively, subtly humorous expression, with large almond-shaped eyes beneath arched brows, a broad nose, and full lips forming a faint smile, flanked by pierced earlobes, and the hair smoothly drawn back from the face.
Expert's note: The exceptionally heavy, solid casting of the present figure is characteristic of high-quality metal sculpture produced in eastern India during the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in Orissa. Closely related sculptures from this period are likewise distinguished by their substantial weight and massive, solid-cast construction, requiring a considerable quantity of metal. This technical feature, together with the robust modeling and sculptural density of the figure, strongly supports the proposed dating to the 16th–17th century.
Provenance: From a private collection in Paris, France.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and casting irregularities. Scattered nicks to the body, small dings to the integral base, the hair partially lost to the back, surface corrosion, and signs of weathering. The bronze with a naturally grown patina with areas of malachite encrustations.
Weight: 5,131 g
Dimensions: Height 31.2 cm
This female figure, from the eastern Indian region of West Bengal or Orissa, is almost certainly Radha, lover of the god Krishna. As a human woman who devotes herself completely and passionately to her god, Radha exemplifies an ideal for Krishna devotees to emulate. By the strength of her devotion, she is transformed from a beloved human "gopi" (cowherd) into a divine goddess.
Radha is worshiped through sculptures like this one. Within a shrine, the sculpture would be dressed and adorned with jewelry, and a flower might be placed in her left hand. The repeated application of ritual liquids, such as river water or oil, and centuries of devotional touching have smoothed Radha's facial features.
Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related copper alloy figure of Radha from West Bengal, dated to the 16th century, 16 cm high, in the Walters Art Museum, accession number 54.2962.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie's New York, 20 March 2024, lot 542
Estimate: USD 15,000 or approx. EUR 14,000 converted at the time of writing
Description: A brass figure of Radha, India, Orissa, 17th century
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and manner of casting with similar pose. Note the size (25.1 cm).
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
