The death of Baua Devi's daughter
Artist
Baua Devi
(Indian, b. 1944)
Place of OriginBihar state, India
DateFebruary 18, 1980
MaterialsInk and color on paper
DimensionsH. 22 in x W. 29 1/2 in, H. 55.9 cm x W. 74.9 cm (overall)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1999.39.18
DepartmentSouth Asian Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewThis haunting autobiographical painting depicts the death of Baua Devi’s six-day-old baby girl, a tragic event in the artist’s life that occurred when she was nineteen. This painting, made more than a decade later, suggests that the pain of Baua Devi’s loss did not lessen over time.
Married at age twelve, Baua Devi had a difficult life: her husband was abusive, her mother-in-law domineering. As drought ravaged the Mithila region, the impoverished family often went hungry. Baua Devi became pregnant a few years into her marriage, but the much-awaited baby was born feeble and survived only for a few days.
Baua Devi’s artistic talent changed her life and role in the community, giving her a powerful voice. Fame and financial and personal independence followed: she bought a house and farmland, and her husband began to work with her as a colorist.
Married at age twelve, Baua Devi had a difficult life: her husband was abusive, her mother-in-law domineering. As drought ravaged the Mithila region, the impoverished family often went hungry. Baua Devi became pregnant a few years into her marriage, but the much-awaited baby was born feeble and survived only for a few days.
Baua Devi’s artistic talent changed her life and role in the community, giving her a powerful voice. Fame and financial and personal independence followed: she bought a house and farmland, and her husband began to work with her as a colorist.
