Artwork
Krishna's Longing for Radha, from the Gita Govinda of Jayadeva

Krishna's Longing for Radha, from the Gita Govinda of Jayadeva is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting, titled Krishna's Longing for Radha, illustrates a scene from Jayadeva's Gita Govinda.
About this work
History & Provenance
The work is attributed to an unknown artist, as reflected in the Wikidata entry that records the artist identifier without a name.
Krishna's Longing for Radha, from the Gita Govinda of Jayadeva, is a painting dated 1822. The work is attributed to an unknown artist, as reflected in the Wikidata entry that records the artist identifier without a name. Its creation history is anchored to the year 1822, with an inception date of 1822‑01‑01 noted in the catalog record.
The painting entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is listed as part of the museum's holdings. No further details regarding commission, previous owners, or transfer of ownership are provided in the available sources.
Krishna's Longing for Radha, from the Gita Govinda of Jayadeva is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work is catalogued under the inventory accession number 1989.333. No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.
The painting, dated 1822, was created by an unidentified artist and depicts the Hindu deity Krishna. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art's holdings, where it remains part of the museum's collection of paintings.
Overview
This painting, titled Krishna's Longing for Radha, illustrates a scene from Jayadeva's Gita Govinda. It depicts a vibrant garden teeming with activity, characterized by its rich palette and intricate details. Numerous figures, adorned in elaborate yellow, blue, and red garments, populate the landscape, engaging in various leisurely pursuits. The composition invites viewers to explore the dynamic interactions within this lush setting.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork draws its narrative from the Gita Govinda, an important Sanskrit poem by Jayadeva that explores the divine love between Krishna and Radha. Specifically, the title suggests a moment of Krishna's yearning for Radha, a central theme in the devotional literature of Vaishnavism. The depiction of a lively garden likely serves as a metaphor for the emotional landscape of their separation and longing.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a vivid and saturated color scheme, utilizing prominent yellows, blues, and reds to create a visually rich environment. The scene is densely populated with finely rendered details, from the varied postures of the figures to the individual leaves and blossoms. This meticulous approach, combined with the scattered arrangement of characters, contributes to the overall sense of a bustling and animated garden.
Artist & collection










