On view: May 10, 2025 – May 10, 2026
Feature image: Painted Poetry: Art of the Rajput Courts at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Photo: Karri Dieken.
Written by Kaleb Williams
Step into a world where color tells stories, and every brushstroke feels like a whispered verse. Painted Poetry: Art of the Rajput Courts, now showing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, brings together centuries-old art and poetry in a way that feels surprisingly fresh, intimate, and alive.
The Rajput courts—ruling families from what’s now northwestern India—commissioned these vivid paintings between the 16th and 19th centuries. But they weren’t just for decoration. These works were made to be read, felt, and shared. Each piece is paired with lines of poetry that bring the image to life. The show is a full-body experience, one that blends sight, story, and spirit. It’s not just about admiring beautiful art (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about stepping into a visual language that speaks of love, longing, heroism, and devotion.
The gallery itself is calm and quiet, which makes the colors pop even more—deep reds, rich blues, glowing gold leaf. Most of the pieces are small, meant to be held or read up close. That intimacy pulls you in. Whether it’s a tender moment between Radha and Krishna beneath a moonlit tree or a fierce battlefield scene with warriors charging forward, each painting carries a rhythm and emotion that feels personal. You can almost hear the poetry being recited beside it.
Some standout works include pages from the Gita Govinda—a 12th-century devotional poem about the passionate love between Krishna and Radha. There are also vibrant scenes from the Ramayana and Rasikapriya, each filled with detail and symbolism. Every gesture, every glance, every swirl of nature means something more. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the source material, the energy and emotion in each image are easy to connect with.
One of the best parts of the exhibit is how thoughtfully it’s laid out. The paintings sit beside English translations of the original poetry, so you can really feel the connection between word and image. You don’t need to be an expert in Indian art or literature to follow along—it’s presented in a way that’s accessible, clear, and full of heart.
There’s also rich background throughout the space—wall texts and audio guides explain how the paintings were made, who commissioned them, and what traditions they came out of. You’ll learn how women played roles not just as subjects, but also as patrons. These paintings weren’t just art—they were deeply personal, devotional, and tied to the rhythms of life and love in the court.
Painted Poetry is on view through May 10, 2026, and it’s absolutely worth the trip. Whether you’re into visual art, storytelling, poetry, or just want a new way to experience history, this show brings it all together. It’s quietly powerful, full of beauty and emotion, and makes you slow down—in the best possible way.
Visit new.artsmia.org to learn more.