Artwork
Krishna Summoning the Cows
Krishna Summoning the Cows is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The painting is displayed in the museum’s permanent collection galleries, and no specific exhibition history can be provided from the available documentation.
Krishna Summoning the Cows is dated to 1793 and attributed to an unknown artist. The painting entered the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1989, where it is recorded under accession number 1989.339 and remains in the museum’s collection. Its provenance prior to acquisition has not been documented, and no records of a specific patron or commission have been identified.
The painting is displayed in the museum’s permanent collection galleries, and no specific exhibition history can be provided from the available documentation.
Overview
This painting, titled Krishna Summoning the Cows, presents a vibrant and active rural landscape. The composition features numerous figures and cattle set against rolling green hills under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky. Bold hues of green, yellow, and red define the terrain, contributing to the scene's dynamic energy. The artwork captures a moment of interaction between humans and animals, hinting at a deeper narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The central theme revolves around Krishna, a revered Hindu deity, depicted here in his youth as a cowherd. One figure, likely Krishna, holds a flute, an instrument intrinsically linked to his identity and ability to charm both animals and people. The adorned cows, with their necklaces and bells, signify their sacred status and connection to the divine.
The scene illustrates Krishna's role in tending to and calling his beloved herd, a common motif in Hindu mythology symbolizing his protective nature and connection to the natural world.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a vivid palette to create a visually engaging composition. Rich greens dominate the undulating landscape, punctuated by bright yellows and reds that add warmth and depth to the hills. The sky, rendered with dark, swirling clouds, introduces a sense of atmosphere and movement, contrasting with the earthly scene below.
Figures are depicted with a sense of purpose, interacting within the bustling environment, while the decorated cows add intricate detail and symbolic weight.
Artist & collection
