Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1610 · Opaque watercolor and ink paper · Asian Art

This painting depicts a famous scene from the many childhood exploits of Krishna, a much-loved avatar of Vishnu. The infant Krishna, while in the protective care of pastoral foster parents, encountered numerous dangers sent by the evil king Kamsa. In this scene, a demon, disguised as a wet nurse, is sent to kill Krishna with her poisonous milk. Krishna discovers her intention and suckles her until she expires. Krishna’s half-brother Balarama and their mothers look on in astonishment. This is one of many stories that portray Krishna as the destroyer of evil.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1610

Medium

Opaque watercolor and ink paper

Culture

Western India, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon B. Polsky Fund, 2002