Artwork
Krishna
Krishna is a paint painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Shushila Devi. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A black ink drawing on paper depicts Krishna and two gopis in a lush grove, exemplifying the Madhubani painting tradition from Northern Bihar, India.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows three figures, likely Krishna and two gopis, standing calmly amidst swirling vegetation, their poses suggesting a quiet narrative. The women's faces are simple yet expressive, and their patterned dresses add to the composition's visual richness.
Technique & Style
The artist employed clean lines and soft shading to achieve a balanced composition, characteristic of Madhubani painting's folk style. The work features detailed patterns on the women's dresses and intricate swirling leaves in the background, framed by a border of repeating shapes.
History & Provenance
Madhubani painting originated in the Mithila region, where it was traditionally practiced by women on interior walls for rituals and weddings. The style gained recognition after a 1934 earthquake and was later adapted for commercial sale on paper in the 1960s.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist made small devotional paintings of Hindu gods and heroes around the 1970s.
