f.17

A depiction of Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, who takes the form of a prince. According to Hindu belief he came to earth as the embodiment of virtue and chivalry. 

Rama and Sita sit at the centre of the cosmic lotus with Hanuman, the monkey god, on the left and, on the right, Lakshmana, Rama's faithful younger brother. The backdrop is a jewel-encrusted pavilion on the edge of an island. Sixty-six rubies and emeralds are scattered on the ground before them, possibly a reference to Mani Dvipa, the Island of Jewels.

This painting is from a series (RCINs 1005113.d-k, .q and .v) depicting the ten avatars (incarnations) of the Hindu god Vishnu.

For further information on this album see RCIN 1005113.