Garden and Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur

Of the four press previews I went to this week, my favorite was for the new show at the Sackler Gallery — Garden and Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur is one of the most exquisite shows I've seen in a long time.

The paintings are a glimpse into courtly life in northern India from the 17th through 19th centuries — elaborate tellings of Indian myths are juxtaposed to fighting elephants. Many of the works are heavily detailed, with millefiore-esque patterns emerging in the embellished backgrounds. It's an absolutely intoxicating show.

Garden and Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur opens at the Sackler Gallery on October 11.