Open full image Pin

Krishna and Aghasura

Unknown

1850

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Mughal Painting Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Krishna and Aghasura is a 1850 paint by Unknown, a Mughal Painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1850 · Mughal Painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a blue-skinned man in a yellow dhoti, with a red sash and a gold crown, holding a red stick in his right hand. He is standing in front of a large elephant-like creature with a long snout and tusks. The man is wearing a necklace and earrings, and has a white cloth wrapped around his waist. In the background, there are trees and a hill with animals grazing on it. The sky is blue with white clouds. The painting is done in a style that is reminiscent of Indian art, with bold lines and bright colors. The painting is held at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The story of this work

Overview

The painting, created in 1850 using opaque watercolour and gold on paper, depicts Krishna in a landscape scene where he forces the demon Aghasura to release the cows that have been swallowed. One of the cowherds is positioned to the right of the composition. The work was transferred from the Department of Engraving, Illustration & Design, with the reference RP 51/2237.

Read the full account in the museum source.