Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1520–40 · Ink and opaque watercolor on paper · Asian Art

The upper and lower registers illustrate Krishna’s entry into Mathura, where he will ultimately confront and kill the evil king Kamsa. The Bhagavata Purana describes at length the joyous welcome that he received, especially by the women of the town, who abandoned what they were doing and rushed to see him. The excitement of the moment is emphasized by the musicians in both registers and the appearance of Krishna three times in the lower register, embracing friends and gesturing to others who kneel at his feet and stand venerating the god, hands clasped in anjali mudra (a gesture of reverence).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1520–40

Medium

Ink and opaque watercolor on paper

Culture

India (Delhi Agra area)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Doris Rubin, in memory of Harry Rubin, 1989