Birth of Shakuntala

Vishvamitra was a revered sage in ancient India; this postcard from one of Ravi Varma's most famous paintings shows how he rejects knowledge of his child by turning away and hiding his gaze with a dramatic gesture.

[Original caption] Menaka sent by Indra to distract sage Vishwamitra in his penances, succeeds in her mission and gets a child by him. While going to Indra-lok, she offers the child to Vishwamitra, who feeling penitent for his weakness tries to avoid Menaka and disowns the child. [end]