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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2009.202.73
Title
Infant Krishna shows Yashoda the Universe in His Mouth
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/212624

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
28 x 19.6 cm (11 x 7 11/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1983 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum.

Note: Object was accounted for in 1983 inventory.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Gift of Edith I. Welch in memory of Stuart Cary Welch
Accession Year
2009
Object Number
2009.202.73
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Seated on a bench is Yashoda with the infant Krishna on her lap. Yashoda is the foster mother of Krishna, who is the eighth avatar of Vishnu and venerated as a deity in his own right. Both figures are adorned with gold jewelry and ornaments. Hanging from the canopy above them are garlands of white flowers, the same that adorn Yashoda’s hair. Krishna holds both his hands up towards her as she supports him with one of hers and gestures with the other. The small orbs around Krishna’s mouth represent the universe. Yashoda caught Krishna eating soil and when she confronted him about it, he lied. She demanded that he open his mouth to show her, and when he did, she saw the entire universe, signifying that the young Krishna was a god. This depiction captures the moment when she sees the universe, and right before she faints from bewilderment.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu