1960.160: Krishna and the Cowherds Return at Cowdust, possibly an illustration from the Bhagavata Purana

Identification and Creation

Object Number

1960.160

Title

Krishna and the Cowherds Return at Cowdust, possibly an illustration from the Bhagavata Purana

Classification

Manuscripts

Work Type

manuscript folio

Date

late 18th century

Places

Creation Place: South Asia, India, Northern India, Pahari Region

Culture

Indian

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/216416

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions

27.4 x 38.2 cm (10 13/16 x 15 1/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gifts for Special Uses Fund

Accession Year

1960

Object Number

1960.160

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

The painting, most likely from a Bhagavata Purana series, depicts the blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna and his fellow cowherds returning home after a day of herding cows in the pastures. Krishna, the cowherds, and their cows are depicted twice here, once making their way to the gates of their village and the second time hugging their mothers, who welcome them back. The boys return at twilight or dusk, indicated by the reddish sky in the painting, also known as “the hour of cowdust,” when dust goes up in the air due to the movement of cows. Scholars have attributed this painting to the Pahari painter, Manaku of Guler (c. 1700 - 1760 CE). Rajput, Pahari.

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