Shakuntala Writing a Letter to Dushyanta
In Shakuntala Writing a Letter to Dushyanta, Raja Ravi Varma masterfully captures the delicate moment of Shakuntala, the heroine from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, as she writes a heartfelt letter to her beloved Dushyanta. The painting beautifully conveys her emotions, from longing to devotion, as she holds the quill and the leaf, her expression filled with quiet determination and hope. Varma’s use of soft colors and the naturalistic portrayal of Shakuntala highlights both her inner beauty and strength, and the love she feels for Dushyanta.
Late 19th Century
About the Artwork
This painting portrays Shakuntala during a poignant moment in her life. After Dushyanta, the king whom she married, forgets her due to a curse, Shakuntala is left in anguish. In the painting, Shakuntala is seen writing a letter to Dushyanta in an attempt to remind him of their love and their bond. This action reflects the complexity of her emotions—her love for him and her belief that their bond would prevail despite the separation and the curse that has caused her to be forgotten. The letter symbolizes both her hope and despair.
The painting portrays not just a woman writing a letter but a woman pouring her soul into her words, hoping that her love will be recognized. Shakuntala’s devotion to Dushyanta is evident in the way she holds the quill delicately, her face soft but serious with the weight of her emotions. This scene is one of many in the Mahabharata that showcases Shakuntala’s resilience, wisdom, and unshakable devotion to the king. The painting, in a way, immortalizes her silent strength and the purity of her love.
