The Insects in the Garden of Raja Salhesh
Framed: H. 20 1/16 in × W. 27 in × D. 1 5/16 in (51 cm × 68.6 cm × 3.3 cm)
These two monochrome ink paintings (2016.125 and 2016.165) by Sarup Lal Paswan stand out for their high degree of abstraction among paintings from Mithila, which are typically figurative works featuring images of gods, people, and animals rendered in bright colors.
Like several other artists from the lower-caste Dusadh community, Sarup Lal Paswan draws inspiration from stories about Raja Salhesh, a semidivine Dusadh hero. Stories in oral literature describe the lush, beautiful gardens of Raja Salhesh. There, birds and insects of all varieties swarmed, along with a profusion of trees, flowers, and fruits.
In the painting 2016.125, the garden has been divided into four vertical plots, each separated from the other by a narrow channel of water. The entire surface is covered with tiny ink strokes suggesting birds. The painting 2016.165 represents insects.
This pair was among the last works made by the artist before his death.
