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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1974.108
Title
Krishna Approaches the Cowherds at Their Forest Encampment (painting, recto; text, verso), folio from a Bhagavata Purana series
Classification
Manuscripts
Work Type
manuscript folio
Date
late 18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Himachal Pradesh, Guler
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216330

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
24.4 x 31 cm (9 5/8 x 12 3/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bienstock
Accession Year
1974
Object Number
1974.108
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
On the recto side of this folio is a painting that features the blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna approaching a group of cowherds at their encampment. On the verso side of this folio are verses from the tenth book of the Bhagavata Purana’s chapter fourteen, which describes the encounter between Brahma and Krishna. Brahma, in order to test Krishna, abducts his fellow cowherds and their cows, only to realize that Krishna was able to miraculously rescue them. The moment depicted in the folio corresponds to the text on the reverse: Krishna, having gone away for a whole year, appears to his cowherd friends as returning only a moment after he had disappeared. This folio most likely belonged to a Bhagavata Purana series produced in Guler. Another possible folio from the same series is 1974.109. Scholars have attributed this painting to the Pahari painter, Manaku of Guler (c. 1700 - 1760 CE). Rajput, Pahari, Guler School.

Text on Verso: Bhagavata Purana, Book Ten, Chapter 14, verses 42-45.

Exhibition History

  • Out of the Hills: Miniature Painting from Himalayan India, Harvard University Art Museums, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 05/26/1984 - 07/08/1984

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