Krishna in a garden

ca. 1700

Krishna, painted blue to show that he is an avatar of Vishnu, is the focus of this composition. His admirers serenade him and offer him libations at the top; three figures at the bottom of the bower prepare themselves to meet him. Along with the human worshippers, the entire landscape teems with excitement. A rushing river surrounds Krishna, who sits on a floating lotus, establishing him as a distinctive blue spotlight amidst the green forest. It also creates a strong visual line to the painting’s bottom half as the river becomes a cascading waterfall, directing the eye to the swimming gopis (cow-herding women) gazing longingly upwards toward Krishna. Together, the environment and the humans are elated to be in Krishna’s presence.

Opaque watercolor on paper

9 1/8 x 6 1/8 in. (23.18 x 15.56 cm)

Overall h.: 17 in.

Overall w.: 13 1/2 in.

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

62.92

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Luminous: The Art of Asia, Oct. 13, 2011 - Jan. 8, 2012.

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing [on view July 16 - Dec. 5, 2021].

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