Artwork
King Bana enjoying music in his court, from the Usha-Aniruddha section of a Krishna Lila

King Bana enjoying music in his court, from the Usha-Aniruddha section of a Krishna Lila is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1765 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting depicts King Bana in his court, immersed in a musical performance.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a scene from the Usha-Aniruddha narrative within the larger Krishna Lila cycle, specifically showing King Bana enjoying music in his court.
The painting depicts a scene from the Usha-Aniruddha narrative within the larger Krishna Lila cycle, specifically showing King Bana enjoying music in his court. As part of this mythological sequence, the work also features the deity Krishna, who is central to the story's unfolding events. The subject matter illustrates a moment of royal leisure and auditory pleasure within the court of the asura king, set against the backdrop of the divine intervention that defines the Usha-Aniruddha legend.
History & Provenance
The painting King Bana enjoying music in his court, from the Usha-Aniruddha section of a Krishna Lila was created in 1765. While the artist remains unattributed in the available sources, the work illustrates a scene from the Usha-Aniruddha episode of the larger Krishna Lila cycle and depicts the deity Krishna. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, where it is held under accession number 1986.62. No documented commission or earlier ownership history is provided in the sources.
Overview
This painting depicts King Bana in his court, immersed in a musical performance. The scene unfolds with the monarch seated on an elevated platform, surrounded by an unusual retinue of anthropomorphic creatures. Beyond the immediate court, a palace structure is visible on a verdant hill, while additional musicians contribute to the festive atmosphere below. The vibrant palette and dynamic characterizations imbue the composition with a sense of lively narrative.
Technique & Style
The painting employs a vivid color scheme, particularly evident in the king's bright red robes, which contributes to its energetic quality. Figures are rendered with expressive, sometimes exaggerated, facial features, enhancing the lively and dynamic mood of the court scene. The architectural elements, like the palace with its arches and domes, are depicted with a decorative flair, while the overall composition balances detailed foreground action with a broader landscape context.
Artist & collection
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