Krishna Dances with One Gopi

Currently not on view

Krishna Dances with One Gopi

c. 1720

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

As told in the Bhagavata Purana and other devotional texts, Krishna, as a divine lover, possesses the ability to love many women simultaneously and each for her individual nature. In other paintings of the rasalila (play of passion), Krishna is depicted with numerous women at the same time. In this painting, however, the artist concentrates on an individual relationship as the god dances with a single partner. The other gopis crowd around, playing a variety of musical instruments-cymbals, drum, tambourine, trumpets-and raising their hands in praise.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Krishna Dances with One Gopi
Page from a dispersed series of the Bhagavata Purana

Date:

c. 1720

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver-colored paint on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 9 1/4 × 7 9/16 inches (23.5 × 19.2 cm) Sheet: 10 7/16 × 9 inches (26.5 × 22.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lessing J. Rosenwald, 1959

Accession Number:

1959-93-61

Geography:

Made in Gujarat, India, Asia Probably made in Surat, Gujarat, India, Asia

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view