Artwork
Cremation of the Demoness Putana, from a Krishna-Lila
Cremation of the Demoness Putana, from a Krishna-Lila is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting, titled Cremation of the Demoness Putana, is an illustration from a Krishna-Lila series.
About this work
History & Provenance
It forms part of the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, where it entered with the accession number 1984.
The painting Cremation of the Demoness Putana, from a Krishna-Lila, was created in 1796 and is attributed to an unknown artist. It forms part of the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, where it entered with the accession number 1984.4, indicating acquisition in 1984. The work depicts scenes involving the deity Krishna and a tree, consistent with the Krishna-Lila narrative tradition.
The specific commissioning patron and the work's provenance prior to its acquisition by the museum are not detailed in the available records, nor is any exhibition history recorded.
Overview
This painting, titled Cremation of the Demoness Putana, is an illustration from a Krishna-Lila series. It depicts a complex and vibrant narrative, characterized by its rich detail and extensive color palette. The composition skillfully blends moments of intense action with more tranquil elements, presenting a dynamic visual account of the story. The scene incorporates numerous human figures and animals across its expansive landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork illustrates an episode from the Krishna-Lila, specifically the cremation of the demoness Putana. The foreground captures a dramatic confrontation, where a distressed figure on a cart observes demons assailing a cow and a horse. Other elements include a woman observing from a window and a crowd gathered near a structure.
The background expands to show a populated city and a river teeming with life, indicating the broader context of the narrative.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a highly detailed approach, evident in the intricate rendering of figures, animals, and architectural elements. A vibrant and diverse color scheme contributes to the painting's overall impact. Stylistically, the composition juxtaposes intense, chaotic moments, such as the demonic attack, with more serene background elements like the distant city and river scenes. This contrast creates a multifaceted visual experience within a single frame.
Artist & collection
Untitled
Kali and Devi Attack: Leaf from a Devi Mahatmya
Akbar
Kali and Devi attack, from a Devi Mahatmya
Krishna and Balarama Taking the Cattle Out to Graze, from a Bhagavata Purana
Qutb ad-Din Khan and Muhammad Husain Mirza
Princes hunting in a rocky landscape
Akbar and Hamid Bakari
Daud Shah
Akbar and Asaf Khan
Akbar- Cremation of the demon Putana, from a Krishna-Lila
