Radha Welcoming Krishna
Artist
Unknown
Date1700s
Mediumwatercolor on paper
Dimensions21 x 15.9 cm (8 1/4 x 6 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineGift of Alexander H. Bullock
Object number1952.12
Label TextKrishna is a form (avatar) of Vishnu, the God of Preservation in the Hindu Trinity. As part of the Vaisnava Revival of the fourteenth and fifteen centuries, devotional cults to Krishna appear and with them literary cycles dealing with the adventures of this mischievous and charming deity. Above all others, Radha is Krishna’s particular companion and darling. The theme of the Krishna Lila (Krishna Cycle) is the yearning of the individual soul for union with god represented by the love of woman for man. This is accomplished through the abandonment of pride and devotion through self-surrender to the beloved. Radha’s relationship with Krishna is a metaphor for this spiritual quest.
This painting represents Krishna’s return to Radha after ignoring her for other worldly pleasures. Reminded of his true allegiance he returns to a blissful reunion.
ProvenanceAlexander H. Bullock, Worcester MAOn View
Not on viewLocations
- (not entered) Worcester Art Museum (55 Salisbury Street), Print Room, Size I, Indian Miniatures
