Untitled

Unknown

1895 · Chromolithographic print on paper · Asian Art

Krishna stands on a lotus holding a staff, flute arrow, bow and pot in his respective color-coded arms while golden light streams out from behind his head. He is positioned on what almost appears to be a stage with curtains drawn back and a backdrop showing a river and landscape. The title Guranga Avatara tells us that the figure is Vishnu’s avatar Krishna, while his golden body makes direct reference to the literal meaning of the name Guranga. This name appears in puranic literature, Gaudiya Vaishnavism and in this instance, the title likely also refers to the guru Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered an incarnation of Krishna.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1895

Medium

Chromolithographic print on paper

Culture

India

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, David E. Stutzman and John D. Lamb Gift, 2015