ManuscriptsIndian18th century

Krishna Swallows the Forest Fire (painting, recto), possibly an illustration from the Bhagavata Purana

c. 1730

Description

The painting depicts the blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna in profile and swallowing large flames. His arms are outstretched, and he wears a crown topped with three lotuses. According to the tenth book of the Bhagavata Purana, the young Krishna and his elder half-brother, Balarama, are separated from the rest of the cowherd and their cows, who enter deep into the forest in search of fresh grass. Suddenly, they are encircled by a large and violent fire, with no means to escape. They call out to Krishna for help, and the deity rushes over and swallows up all of the flames, saving them. While many depictions of the scene portray Krishna, the cowherds, and the animals within a fiery landscape, the artist here has chosen to depict Krishna alone to dramatize the moment when he manifests his divine power. Rajput, Pahari, Basohli School.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Opaque watercolor and metallic pigment on paper

Culture

Indian

Century

18th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art