Where can I see Krishna fighting the sons of King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha?

Krishna fighting the sons of King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Krishna fighting the sons of King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha?

Krishna fighting the sons of King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha is associated with Pahari Painting.

Artwork

Krishna fighting the sons of King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha

Krishna fighting the sons of King Bana, from an Usha-Aniruddha is an unspecified painting by the Pahari Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1934.216
Credit line: Gift of Mrs. Charles Eisenman

About this work

Overview

This Indian painting depicts a dynamic battle scene featuring Krishna, distinguished by his blue skin, riding a large green bird and wielding a club amidst a vibrant, chaotic landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates a narrative from Hindu mythology, specifically Krishna's confrontation with the sons of King Bana. The composition emphasizes action and drama, highlighting Krishna's divine intervention.

Technique & Style

Characterized by bold, contrasting colors (notably blue, green, red, and pink) set against a faded gray background, the painting employs swirling lines and floating elements to convey motion and fantasy. The style suggests influences or parallels with expressive, emotionally charged artistic movements.

Context

While the exact artistic movement affiliation isn't specified, the painting's emphasis on vivid imagination and dramatic movement invites comparison with Western Romanticism, which similarly valued fantasy and emotional depth.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is not detailed here, but its preservation and display suggest its importance as a representation of Hindu mythology in art. Its style may influence or reflect broader trends in Indian religious and folk art.