Pauranic myths and tales have been part of our culture for long. They make
for interesting stories, with a moral to deduce.
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.
times since 2nd Oct, 2008
