Who painted Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso), from a Kalighat album?

Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso), from a Kalighat album was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso), from a Kalighat album?

Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso), from a Kalighat album is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso), from a Kalighat album?

Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso), from a Kalighat album is associated with Bengal School.

Artwork

Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso), from a Kalighat album

Unknown , 1890

Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso), from a Kalighat album is an unspecified painting by the Bengal School artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2003.133.b
Credit line: Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward

About this work

Overview

Krishna Stroking Radha's Feet (verso) is a painting from a Kalighat album, depicting a poignant moment in the Hindu legend of Krishna and Radha. Characterized by bold lines, flat colors, and a minimalist background, this work originates from Kalighat, Kolkata, where artists produced vibrant, affordable images for pilgrims.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates Krishna's plea for forgiveness from Radha, following his infidelities with other gopis. Radha, seated and veiled, embodies restrained emotion, while Krishna, kneeling, gently strokes her feet in a gesture of atonement, capturing a narrative of love, longing, and reconciliation.

Technique & Style

Executed in the distinctive Kalighat style, the painting features bold, expressive lines and flat, unmixed colors. The absence of a detailed background focuses attention on the central figures and their emotional interaction, reflecting the region's traditional yet simplified aesthetic for mass-produced religious art.

History & Provenance

Originating from Kalighat, Kolkata, this painting was part of an album designed for pilgrims seeking affordable, colorful religious imagery. Specific details about its creation date, artist, or original ownership are not provided, highlighting the often-anonymous nature of Kalighat productions.

Context

This work is set within the broader context of Hindu mythology, specifically the legends of Krishna and Radha, which explore themes of divine and human love. The painting's production in Kalighat situates it within a 19th-century artisanal practice catering to religious tourism in the area.

Legacy

As part of the Kalighat painting tradition, this work contributes to the preservation of Hindu mythological narratives through art. Its style, characterized by simplicity and directness, has influenced later folk and popular art forms in India, ensuring its relevance beyond its original religious and commercial purposes.