Artwork
King Muchukunda Enters the Realm of Mount Gandhamadana to Attain Salvation, from the “Fifth Basohli Bhagavata Purana”
King Muchukunda Enters the Realm of Mount Gandhamadana to Attain Salvation, from the “Fifth Basohli Bhagavata Purana” is an unspecified painting by Fattu. It dates from 1769 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Artist Fattu created this painting in 1769, titled King Muchukunda Enters the Realm of Mount Gandhamadana to Attain Salvation. It belongs to the "Fifth Basohli Bhagavata Purana" series and is housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts the narrative of King Muchukunda seeking spiritual liberation, a key episode from the Hindu scripture.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a moment from the Bhagavata Purana, a sacred Hindu text. It portrays King Muchukunda, identifiable by his regal attire, as he arrives at Mount Gandhamadana. This location is significant as the site where Muchukunda, after a long sleep, encounters the deity Krishna and is granted salvation, fulfilling a divine prophecy.
Technique & Style
The composition places two central figures against a backdrop of intricately layered, rocky cliffs, characteristic of the regional style.
This work exemplifies the distinctive artistic conventions of the Basohli school. It features a vibrant palette, employing bright, contrasting hues that define the forms and landscape. Bold outlines delineate figures and elements, contributing to the painting's graphic quality. The composition places two central figures against a backdrop of intricately layered, rocky cliffs, characteristic of the regional style.
History & Provenance
This painting is part of a larger manuscript known as the "Fifth Basohli Bhagavata Purana," a series of illustrations commissioned to depict the epic narrative. Created in 1769, it represents a significant example of Pahari painting from the Basohli region. The artwork is now preserved within the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, contributing to its extensive holdings of South Asian art.
Artist & collection
