The Glimpse of the Lover

Two ladies, one in profile and the other in full view dominate the composition. The one in profile is bashful having turned her head on seeing something which causes her to see red. In all probability she has come here to this lonely spot, accompanied by her sakhi (female friend) to meet her lover. The sakhi does not share her affection for the lover, consequently she does not experience the same attack of modesty. The pitcher at the bottom suggests that they have come to this rendezvous by giving a false pretext at home. Often in medieval times the only occasion when women left their homes were for the purpose of fetching water from the well or the river. Hence this errand provided a perfect opportunity for any activity on the sly.

The finest achievement of the artist lies in the manner the natural curvaceousness of the two female figures blends harmoniously with the stylized elongation of their forms. Conforming to the highest ideals of Indian classical thought they both have hour-glass figures, endowed with ample bosoms, slender waists, and wide hips, the nearest the feminine body can approach to perfection.

This description by Nitin Kumar, executive Editor, Exotic India.