Vishwamitra And Maneka

The story of sage Vishwamitra and Maneka has found favour with many an artist since it provides scope to depict austerity and sensuality at the same time. Maneka, an apsara or a celestial dancer, was sent to the earth to disrupt the austere meditation of the sage Vishwamitra. The canvas is dominated by the tall, nude figure of the nymph in profile. She is in the process of dressing when she sees Vishwamitra emerge from behind the trees. Her posture or expression shows no sign of embarrassment or hesitancy as if she had precisely planned the timing. After all, it was her mission to seduce the sage and divert him from severe meditation. If there is suppressed sensuality in the curves of the form, there is the beauty of nature in the background to complement.

The artist has captured the shades of the sky at dawn, the still waters of the river etc. as well as the beauty of the female form.

This description by Renu Rana.