Artwork
Krishna Playing with the Gopis in the Yamuna
Krishna Playing with the Gopis in the Yamuna is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The dating of 1770 is documented in both the internal catalogue and the museum’s accession records, establishing the year of creation.
The work titled Krishna Playing with the Gopis in the Yamuna is a 1770 painting classified as a work of art. It was created by an unknown artist, as recorded in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection (accession 2018.118). The painting entered the museum’s holdings in 2018, becoming part of its permanent collection in Cleveland, Ohio.
Its subject depicts the Hindu deity Krishna engaged in a pastoral scene with the gopis along the Yamuna River. The dating of 1770 is documented in both the internal catalogue and the museum’s accession records, establishing the year of creation.
The painting Krishna Playing with the Gopis in the Yamuna is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art under accession number 2018.118. The work entered the museum’s collection in 2018 and remains part of its permanent holdings. The available sources record no past exhibitions, loans, or temporary displays for this piece; its current location in the Cleveland Museum of Art constitutes the only documented presentation. It continues to be accessible to scholars and visitors.
Overview
This painting, titled Krishna Playing with the Gopis in the Yamuna, captures a lively scene from Hindu mythology. It illustrates the divine figure Krishna engaged in playful interaction with the Gopis, or cowherd women, within the sacred waters of the Yamuna River. The composition emphasizes movement and vivid color, drawing the viewer into the narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The foreground of the composition features four women immersed in the river, with one extending her arm towards another, suggesting interaction. A prominent dark form, possibly a natural rock formation or a sculpted figure, anchors the right side. Beyond the river, a yellow landscape unfolds, punctuated by a solitary tree and a red element, perhaps a small vessel or container. A blue sky with a distinct red sun completes the background.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a palette of vibrant hues throughout the work, contributing to its energetic atmosphere. The arrangement of figures and landscape elements creates a dynamic composition that guides the eye across the scene. This deliberate use of color and structure imbues the painting with a palpable sense of activity and motion, enhancing the playful nature of the depicted narrative.
Artist & collection
