Artwork
Fertility Worship of Krishna
Fertility Worship of Krishna is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1722 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work, dated 1722, is classified as a painting and belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, Ohio.
The painting titled Fertility Worship of Krishna portrays the Hindu deity Krishna within a ritual context associated with fertility, using traditional iconography that emphasizes his role as a life-giver and protector of abundance. The work, dated 1722, is classified as a painting and belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, Ohio. Its subject reflects devotional practices that invoke divine favor for agricultural and human reproduction, linking artistic representation to religious symbolism of growth and renewal.
History & Provenance
Fertility Worship of Krishna dates to 1722, a date established through the work's cataloguing. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, accessioned under the identifier 2018.97. The composition portrays the Hindu deity Krishna within a ritual of fertility worship, and the artist is recorded as unknown.
The available records do not document the original commissioner or the chain of ownership preceding the museum's acquisition, leaving the earlier provenance undocumented. No exhibition history for the work is recorded.
Context
Fertility Worship of Krishna is an Indian painting of 1722 that illustrates devotional practices centered on Krishna's association with fertility. The work, attributed to an unidentified artist, is housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is regarded as a representative example of 18th-century Hindu iconography within the broader tradition of Indian devotional painting.
Overview
Fertility Worship of Krishna presents a vibrant devotional scene centered on the Hindu deity. The painting captures a moment of collective joy and celebration, with a blue-skinned figure prominently positioned on a swing. Surrounding him, a gathering of devotees engages in ritual, rendered with bright hues and meticulous detail, conveying an atmosphere of spiritual reverence and festivity.
Technique & Style
Visually, the painting is distinguished by its rich detail and lively palette. Intricate patterns adorn the figures' garments and the prominent tree, showcasing fine craftsmanship. The composition employs bright, saturated colors, notably yellow, red, and blue, to create a dynamic and celebratory effect.
The scene unfolds under a clear blue sky, with a lush background of trees, contributing to the overall sense of vibrancy and depth.
Artist & collection
