Artwork
Sakhi Persuades Radha to Meet Krishna, from a Gita Govinda (Song of the Cowherd) of Jayadeva
Sakhi Persuades Radha to Meet Krishna, from a Gita Govinda (Song of the Cowherd) 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 Sakhi Persuades Radha to Meet Krishna, illustrates a scene from Jayadeva's Gita Govinda, an important Sanskrit poem.
About this work
This painting depicts a serene scene in a lush forest, with a woman in an orange dress sitting on the grass, facing another woman in a pink dress.
This painting depicts a serene scene in a lush forest, with a woman in an orange dress sitting on the grass, facing another woman in a pink dress. The woman in pink is seated on a red cloth, while the woman in orange has her back to a tree. A figure in yellow is seen in the distance, playing a flute.
In the foreground, a variety of trees and flowers are visible, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of the scene. The colors used in the painting are muted, with shades of green, yellow, and orange dominating the palette. The painting's style and composition suggest that it may be an example of Indian art, possibly from the 19th century.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork illustrates a narrative moment from the Gita Govinda, a twelfth-century Sanskrit poem by Jayadeva, in which a female companion (sakhi) urges Radha to reunite with her beloved, Krishna. This scene captures the emotional tension of separation and the persuasive role of the confidante in facilitating divine love. The composition centers on the interaction between the sakhi and Radha, symbolizing the human soul's journey toward spiritual union with the divine, represented by Krishna.
While the painting dates to 1822, it reflects a long tradition of visualizing the Gita Govinda's themes of devotion and longing in Indian art.
History & Provenance
The painting titled Sakhi Persuades Radha to Meet Krishna, illustrating a scene from Jayadeva's Gita Govinda, was created in 1822. 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 in Cleveland.
The specific accession number for this piece is 1989.334. While the exact commissioning details and the chain of ownership prior to its arrival at the museum are not detailed in the available records, the work's creation is firmly dated to the early nineteenth century.
The work titled Sakhi Persuades Radha to Meet Krishna, from a Gita Govinda (Song of the Cowherd) by Jayadeva, is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, where it is recorded under accession number 1989.334. Its creation dates to 1822, as noted in the catalog entry. It is classified as a painting.
The painting remains in the museum's permanent holdings and has not been listed in documented exhibition records within the provided references.
Overview
This painting, titled Sakhi Persuades Radha to Meet Krishna, illustrates a scene from Jayadeva's Gita Govinda, an important Sanskrit poem. It depicts a moment of gentle persuasion within a verdant forest setting. The artwork is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere and a palette dominated by soft, earthy tones, typical of certain Indian artistic traditions.
Technique & Style
The painting presents a serene sylvan landscape, rendered with a muted color scheme of greens, yellows, and oranges. Two women occupy the foreground, one in pink seated on a red cloth, the other in orange leaning against a tree. A flutist in yellow is subtly placed in the background, amidst a lush array of flora.
The composition and visual language align with characteristics found in Indian painting, potentially dating to the 19th century.
Artist & collection
- Sakhi persuades Radha to meet Krishna, from a Gita Govinda (Song of the Cowherd) of Jayadeva
Krishna's Longing for Radha, from the Gita Govinda of Jayadeva
Radha Awaiting Reconciliation with Krishna, from a Gita Govinda of Jayadeva
Krishna Prepares for Radha's Visit (page from the Gita Govinda)
Radha's Attendant Converses with Krishna and Woman Travels By Moonlight to Meet her Lover (page from the Gita Govinda)
Radha Awaiting Reconciliation with Krishna, from a Gita Govinda of Jayadeva
Krishna Fluting for the Gopis
Cupid Disturbs Krishna's Penance, Page from a Gita Govinda
