1974.112: Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya (painting, recto), illustration from the Bhagavata Purana
Paintings
This object does not yet have a description.
Identification and Creation
- Object Number
- 1974.112
- People
-
Attributed to Mola Ram, Indian
- Title
- Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya (painting, recto), illustration from the Bhagavata Purana
- Other Titles
- Title: Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya
- Classification
- Paintings
- Work Type
- painting
- Date
- late 18th century
- Places
- Creation Place: South Asia, India, Uttarakhand, Garhwal
- Culture
- Indian
- Persistent Link
- https://hvrd.art/o/216331
Physical Descriptions
- Medium
- Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
- Dimensions
- 23.6 x 16.6 cm (9 5/16 x 6 9/16 in.)
Provenance
- Recorded Ownership History
-
Balak Ram Sah, Srinagar, Garhwal (by 1916-). Mukundi Lal, Lucknow, India (by 1968-). Peter Bienstock, New York (by 1974), gift; to the Fogg Museum, 1974.
Footnotes:
Balak Ram Sah of Garhwal (Srinagar), great grandson of artist Mola Ram (1750-1833)
Mukundi Lal (1885-1982)
Acquisition and Rights
- Credit Line
- Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bienstock
- Accession Year
- 1974
- Object Number
- 1974.112
- Division
- Asian and Mediterranean Art
- Contact
- am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
- Permissions
-
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Descriptions
- Description
-
This painting depicts blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna’s subjugation of the serpent king Kaliya in the waters of River Yamuna. Kaliya wreaked havoc on the town of Vrindavan, poisoning their source of water. To put a stop to this, the blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna decides to challenge Kaliya and, after a long struggle, emerges victorious by trampling upon the serpent king’s many hoods. At this moment, Kaliya’s wives rush to his side to persuade Krishna to show mercy and let their husband go. Kaliya himself realizes Krishna’s divine nature and surrenders. The painting captures this moment of surrender.
The painting has been attributed to Mola Ram (1743 - 1833) who is an important artist from Garhwal. Rajput, Pahari, Garhwal School.
Exhibition History
- The Arts of Krishna Bhakti, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 03/09/1983 - 05/01/1983
- Out of the Hills: Miniature Painting from Himalayan India, Harvard University Art Museums, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 05/26/1984 - 07/08/1984
- 32Q: 2590 South and Southeast Asia, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 04/19/2018 - 11/07/2018
- A Colloquium in the Visual Arts , Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 09/04/2021 - 01/02/2022
Verification Level
This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or 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