Artwork
The Approach of Krishna. Page from a Rasamanjari
The Approach of Krishna. Page from a Rasamanjari is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Kripal of Nurpur. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a page from an illustrated manuscript, the work functions as a visual interpretation of specific poetic verses describing divine romance.
Created in 1665 by the artist Kripal of Nurpur, this painting illustrates a scene from the Rasamanjari, a text dedicated to the classification of romantic moods. The central subject depicted is the deity Krishna, shown during his approach to a lover. As a page from an illustrated manuscript, the work functions as a visual interpretation of specific poetic verses describing divine romance.
The iconography focuses on the arrival of the divine hero, representing the anticipation and emotional intensity characteristic of the Rasamanjari's exploration of love.
History & Provenance
Created in 1665, this painting titled The Approach of Krishna is a page from a Rasamanjari series. The work was executed by the artist Kripal of Nurpur. It currently resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1965.249.
While some records initially attributed the piece to an unknown creator, established documentation identifies Kripal of Nurpur as the artist responsible for its execution during the mid-seventeenth century.
Legacy
The page from a Rasamanjari dated 1665, attributed to Kripal of Nurpur, is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. It portrays Krishna and is classified as a painting, reflecting the devotional subject matter and artistic conventions of seventeenth-century Indian miniature painting. Its presence in a major museum has made it a point of reference for scholars examining the Nurpur school and the Rasamanjari manuscript series.
Overview
This painting, titled The Approach of Krishna, was created in 1665 by Kripal of Nurpur. It is a page from a Rasamanjari manuscript, a text exploring the emotional states of lovers. The artwork depicts a pivotal moment involving the deity Krishna, characterized by its detailed execution and vivid palette. It is currently part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Technique & Style
Kripal of Nurpur employed a meticulous approach in this painting, evident in the intricate decorative elements. The figures' elaborate clothing and the ornate floral border surrounding the seated figure demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship. A vibrant color scheme, featuring rich reds, greens, blues, and golds, contributes to the scene's visual depth and appeal.
The composition carefully balances the two figures against a backdrop of contrasting wall sections, creating a focused narrative space.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Kripal of Nurpur was an Indian painter active in the Pahari hill kingdom of Nurpur in the mid-seventeenth century.
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