Order a giclee of South Wind Cools in the Himalayas: Folio from the Second Guler Gita Govinda Series

Q: Is South Wind Cools in the Himalayas: Folio from the Second Guler Gita Govinda Series under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Artwork Description

This work is so close in composition to Manaku’s visualization of the same passage from the Gita Govinda from 1730 that this artist of the first generation must have known that earlier work. In connection with Radha and Krishna, the Gita Govinda speaks of hot winds, fragrant with sandalwood and laden with serpent venom, which carry from the south into the Himalayas. In Manaku’s original realization, the source of the wind is on the left, and the snow in the Himalayas is on the right; in this later version, the south is set in the background, and the Himalayas appear in the foreground. Both works are highly original visualizations of the Gita Govinda’s evocative text. About the Artist ManakuActive at the court in Guler ca. 1725–ca. 1760; son of Pandit Seu, brother of Nainsukh, father of two sons, Fattu and Khushala The painter Pandit Seu worked in Guler, Himachal Pradesh, and together with his two sons Manaku and Nainsukh, he dominated one of the most exciting periods of Pahari painting. Manaku remained more indebted to his father’s style, while Nainsukh studied Mughal painting extensively and left the court in Guler to work for other patrons. Manaku, the older of the two brothers, produced a true masterpiece in 1725, his illustrations to the last part of the Ramayana, the so-called Siege of Lanka series. In that work, he continued the large-format Ramayana series that his father had begun, developing new compositional solutions for the depiction of complex narrative scenes. The young Manaku painted with the sure hand of a seasoned practitioner, and his talent, attested by his drawings, was immediately celebrated. Around 1730, he produced a series of 150 folios on one of the central texts of Krishna worship, the Gita Govinda. No illustrations for that text had been painted before in the Pahari region. Created for a Lady Malini, the series represents the crucial turning point in Manaku’s early work. It presented a considerable challenge to understand all the subtleties and complexities of the text and to develop appropriate compositional solutions. An especially beautiful example is Manaku’s visualization of the textual passage describing the south wind cooling itself in the Himalayas. Manaku’s work borrowed from that of his father, Pandit Seu, in its formal repertoire, especially visible in conventions for rendering trees and faces and in its compositions with monochrome backgrounds and high horizon lines with white and blue washes. Only in his later works did more realistically painted elements become more evident. The artistic legacy of the brothers Manaku and Nainsukh was taken up by their sons. A series attributed to Manaku’s son Fattu, from around 1760, reveals considerable borrowing from Manaku’s work, while the style of other known works by the sons of these brother artists is more reminiscent of that of Nainsukh.

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Artist Biography

Manaku: A Rediscovered Master of Pahari Painting

Life and Obscurity

Born around 1700 in Guler, a small hill state in present-day Himachal Pradesh, India.
Died in 1760. His life remains largely shrouded in obscurity, overshadowed by the fame of his younger brother, Nainsukh.
Rediscovery: For centuries, Manaku’s contributions were almost entirely forgotten until art historians like B.N. Goswamy brought his work to light and recognized his significant role in Pahari painting.

Artistic Style and Influences

Pahari Painting: Manaku is now celebrated as a key exponent of the Pahari style, characterized by its delicate brushwork, vibrant colors, and focus on themes from Hindu mythology and courtly life.
Mughal Influence: The art of Guler, and thus Manaku’s work, was significantly influenced by the waning Mughal Empire. Artists migrating from the Mughal courts brought with them techniques and aesthetics that blended with local traditions.
His father, Seu, a prominent artist himself, served as an early mentor, instilling in him foundational skills and artistic principles.

Major Works and Themes

Rama Releases the Demon Spies: (folio from the Siege of Lanka series) – A powerful depiction of a pivotal moment from the Ramayana, showcasing Manaku’s skill in narrative storytelling.
South Wind Cools in the Himalayas: (folio from the Second Guler Gita Govinda series) – Demonstrates his mastery in portraying scenes from the Gita Govinda, a celebrated work of Sanskrit poetry focused on the love between Krishna and Radha.
Hiranyakashipu Commands His Demon Warriors: (preparatory drawing from the ‘Small Bhagavata Purana’ series) – Exemplifies his ability to convey complex narratives with dynamic composition and expressive figures.
His works often feature themes of devotion, heroism, love, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Artistic Development & Achievements

Only four extant works bear Manaku’s signature, making each piece exceptionally valuable and insightful into his artistic practice.
Unique Vision: While influenced by Mughal aesthetics, Manaku developed a distinct style characterized by a refined sense of color, delicate detailing, and an ability to capture emotional depth in his figures.
He contributed significantly to the development of Pahari painting, establishing a foundation for future generations of artists in the region.

Historical Significance & Legacy

Manaku’s rediscovery has enriched our understanding of 18th-century Indian art and the vibrant artistic traditions of the Pahari region.
Family Atelier: He was part of a prolific family of artists – the Seu-Manaku-Nainsukh lineage – that played a crucial role in shaping the course of Pahari painting for over 150 years.
His work continues to inspire art enthusiasts and scholars, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage and the artistic brilliance of a previously overlooked master.

Manaku

1760 , India

Quick Facts

Birth_Date: c. 1700
Birth_Place: Guler, India
Death_Date: 1760
Influenced: Nainsukh
Influenced_By: Mughal painting (through Seu)
Movement: Pahari Painting
Name: Manaku
Nationality: Indian
Notable_Works:
- Rama releases the demon spies Shuka and Sarana
- South Wind cools in the Himalayas
- Hiranyakashipu commands his demon warriors to threaten and injure Prahlada

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