Artwork
Krishna Watches the Milkmaids Circumambulating a Sacred Tree: the Month of Jyestha (May–June), from a Baramasa (The Twelve Months)
Krishna Watches the Milkmaids Circumambulating a Sacred Tree: the Month of Jyestha (May–June), from a Baramasa (The Twelve Months) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The piece depicts the deity Krishna within the context of the Baramasa poetic tradition, specifically illustrating the month of Jyestha.
The painting titled Krishna Watches the Milkmaids Circumambulating a Sacred Tree: the Month of Jyestha (May–June), from a Baramasa (The Twelve Months), was created in 1760. The work is attributed to an unknown artist and is classified as a painting. It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 2018.163.
The piece depicts the deity Krishna within the context of the Baramasa poetic tradition, specifically illustrating the month of Jyestha.
The painting is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it carries the accession number 2018.163.
It was first recorded in the museum’s holdings in 2018, when it was accessioned as part of the museum’s collection. The work is dated to 1760, aligning with its depiction of the month of Jyestha within a Baramasa series.
Overview
This painting, titled Krishna Watches the Milkmaids Circumambulating a Sacred Tree: the Month of Jyestha (May June), is part of a Baramasa series depicting the twelve months. It captures a vibrant scene where numerous figures, likely milkmaids, engage in a ritual dance around a prominent tree. From an elevated position, the deity Krishna observes the animated gathering. The artwork evokes a sense of communal celebration tied to the specific Hindu month of Jyestha.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a moment from Hindu mythology, featuring Krishna observing a group of milkmaids, or gopis, as they perform a ritual circumambulation around a sacred tree. This act is traditionally associated with the month of Jyestha (May June), often linked to the Vata Purnima festival where women pray for their husbands' longevity. The artwork's inclusion in a Baramasa series underscores its thematic connection to the seasonal cycles and associated religious practices and narratives.
Technique & Style
The composition features a dynamic crowd of figures engaged in movement around a towering, gnarled tree, whose roots and branches are rendered with quick, unrefined lines. This energetic, somewhat unpolished execution contributes to the scene's lively atmosphere. Krishna is positioned centrally, observing the activity.
A sparse background, accented by a single star and scattered foliage, lends the overall image a light, almost ethereal quality, contrasting with the dense activity below.
Artist & collection
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Untitled- Krishna watches the milkmaids circumambulating a sacred tree: The month of Jyestha (May–June), from a Barahmasa (The Twelve Months)