Krishna was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Krishna?

Krishna is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Krishna?

Krishna is associated with Impressionism.

Krishna by Unknown (1890) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

The Victoria and Albert Museum holds this painting, offering a glimpse into the artistic styles and techniques of the late 19th century.

This painting depicts a scene with two figures. On the left, a man reclines on his back, dressed in a red and yellow outfit adorned with a crown. He has dark hair and blue skin. To the right, another man sits cross-legged, wearing a red and white garment. The background features a gradient of red and orange hues, with a dark shape at the top left corner.

The artist's use of bold colors and simple lines creates a sense of intimacy and quiet contemplation. The contrast between the two figures, one reclining and the other sitting, adds a sense of movement and energy to the scene.

The Victoria and Albert Museum holds this painting, offering a glimpse into the artistic styles and techniques of the late 19th century.

Overview

This watercolor and tin‑alloy work on cardboard, dated 1890, portrays the moment of Krishna’s death. Executed by an unidentified artist, the piece is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection and offers a concise visual narrative of a pivotal mythological event.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows two figures: a reclining, blue‑skinned deity wearing a red‑yellow costume and crown, and a seated attendant in red and white garb. The juxtaposition of the supine god and the upright figure suggests a dialogue between the divine and the mortal, inviting contemplation of sacrifice and transition.

Technique & Style

The artist employs bold, saturated pigments and simplified line work, creating a stark contrast between the figures and a background that shifts from deep reds to orange tones. The use of tin alloy adds a subtle metallic sheen, while the watercolor provides translucency, together producing an intimate yet dynamic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the painting’s origins are undocumented, and the creator remains unknown. It entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century, where it has been catalogued as an example of colonial‑era Indian devotional art.

Context

The work reflects the Victorian fascination with Indian mythology and the broader trend of incorporating non‑Western subjects into European art markets. Its stylistic simplicity aligns with contemporary illustration practices, while its subject matter underscores the period’s interest in exotic religious narratives.