Artwork
Krishna Ferrying Radha Across the Yamuna River
Krishna Ferrying Radha Across the Yamuna River is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The artwork is characterized by its bold, flat colors and a sense of movement, despite the simplified and stylized rendering of the figures' faces.
This painting, titled Krishna Ferrying Radha Across the Yamuna River, depicts a scene from Hindu mythology. It features three prominent figures beneath a vibrant red canopy, which resembles a small pavilion. The artwork is characterized by its bold, flat colors and a sense of movement, despite the simplified and stylized rendering of the figures' faces. The composition centers on the interaction between the characters, suggesting a narrative moment.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork illustrates the Hindu deity Krishna transporting Radha, his beloved, across the Yamuna River. Krishna is likely represented by the man in yellow and red, holding a long pole, indicative of a boatman. Radha, in a red dress, sits on a raised platform, while a companion in a blue-and-white sari stands nearby, reaching out. This scene is a popular motif in Indian miniature painting, symbolizing divine love and devotion.
Technique & Style
The painting employs a distinctive visual style marked by strong, unmodulated colors applied in flat planes, creating a striking contrast. Figures are depicted with a sense of dynamic motion, yet their facial features are rendered with simplicity and stylization, typical of certain regional painting traditions. The bright red canopy, shaped like a small architectural structure, adds a dramatic focal point and frames the central action.
Artist & collection
