Woman As Artist : Rukmini Devi [ Theosophical Society ]
$100
In stock
Description
Rare Text from Rukmini Devi Early Female Indian Member of the Theosophical Society On Women’s Relationship to Arts and Creativity
Devi, Rukmini. Woman As Artist. The Theosophical Publishing House. Adyar, India. N.D.
Rare text by Indian Theosophical Society member and dancer Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904 – 1986), arguing for recognition of the role of art in the advancement of civilization and the “spirit of womanhood as the spirit of the artist”.
Connecting the roles of mother and muse, Devi argues that women are the supreme inspirer of the arts, and that art is a means of developing compassion and guiding development for both individuals and societies. “Without expression of the arts in life, there can be no real refinement and of course no real civilization.”
Arguing against “expressionist modern art” (“beautiful things in nature are self-evident”) as well as irreverence toward sex (akin to “blasphemy” and “degradation”) Devi claims that art serves to develop and refine the soul and that education is paramount, providing freedom to each individual to “release the glories” found within them.
Two copies found in OCLC as of September 2025.
18pp. Staplebound in blue paper wraps. Minor reading wear. Top fore corner bumped. Pen dated ownership signature front wrap interior. Stamp to pg 1 bottom margin. Very good.
If you liked this book, you might also enjoy this copy of Occult Chemistry from Theosophical Society leaders Annie Besant and CW Leadbeater. You might also enjoy this signed copy of Sacred Rivers of India by Edward Washburn Hopkins.
