Artwork
Krishna weighed against precious objects(?) (verso), from a Kalighat album
Krishna weighed against precious objects(?) (verso), from a Kalighat album is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting, titled Krishna weighed against precious objects(?
About this work
History & Provenance
The work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession number 2003.
Krishna weighed against precious objects(?) (verso), from a Kalighat album, is a nineteenth-century painting dated 1896 and created in Kolkata. Attributed to an unknown Kalighat artist, it depicts the Hindu deity Krishna in a weighing scene. The work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession number 2003.107.b. The available sources do not record specific exhibition history or prior ownership for the piece.
Context
The painting, dated 1896 and attributed to an anonymous Kalighat artist, portrays Krishna in a weighing scene that juxtaposes divine imagery with everyday valuables. Its creation in Kolkata places it within the flourishing nineteenth-century Bengali popular-print tradition, a context studied by scholars of devotional visual culture. Its inclusion in a Kalighat album reflects the commercial and religious exchange of the period, and its presence in the Cleveland Museum of Art collection underscores continued interest in preserving such ephemeral artifacts.
Examination of its iconography contributes to broader narratives about how popular prints mediated mythological subjects in colonial India.
Overview
This painting, titled Krishna weighed against precious objects(?) (verso), originates from a Kalighat album. It depicts a crowded scene centered around a large balance scale, with numerous figures observing the event. The composition is dynamic, featuring a building with arched openings in the background. The palette predominantly uses earthy tones, complemented by touches of vibrant red.
Subject & Meaning
The central focus is a child seated in one pan of the balance scale, while a man in the opposing pan holds a basket of small items, possibly fruits. This imagery strongly suggests a narrative involving the Hindu deity Krishna, often associated with stories of divine tests or the demonstration of spiritual worth. The balance scale itself commonly symbolizes justice, truth, or the assessment of value.
Technique & Style
The artwork presents a bustling composition, populated by various figures in diverse attire, from simple garments to elaborate robes. Architectural elements, such as arches and a balcony, frame the background, with additional observers peeking from within. The color scheme relies on a foundation of earthy browns, greens, and golds, punctuated by striking red accents that draw the viewer's eye.
Artist & collection
