Who painted Krishna and Balarama?

Krishna and Balarama was painted by Unknown in 1855.

Where can I see Krishna and Balarama?

Krishna and Balarama is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Krishna and Balarama?

Krishna and Balarama is associated with Patna School of Painting.

Artwork

Krishna and Balarama

Unknown , 1855

Krishna and Balarama is a paint painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This painting shows two figures with blue skin, one playing a flute, the other holding a mace. Their faces look calm and gentle.

Made in India around 1855, this work was likely sold to pilgrims visiting the Kalighat temple near Calcutta. The simple style makes it easy to carry home.

Look for similar art at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

Krishna and Balarama is a mid-19th-century Indian watercolour painting, created around 1855 in the Kalighat style. Characterized by its simple yet vibrant depiction of two key figures from Hindu mythology, the work was likely produced for pilgrims visiting the Kalighat temple near Calcutta.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Krishna, identifiable by his flute, and his brother Balarama, recognized by his mace. Both figures have blue skin, a traditional representation in Hindu art, and exhibit calm, gentle facial expressions, conveying serenity and divine qualities.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the piece embodies the Kalighat style: brilliant colours, simplified forms, and bold brushstrokes. Its compact, straightforward design facilitated ease of transport, catering to its intended use as a pilgrim's souvenir.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1855 near the Kalighat temple, this painting was part of a thriving souvenir trade among pilgrims. The Kalighat painting style, popular in the 19th century, declined by the 1930s but has seen a revival with modern artists adapting the tradition to contemporary themes.

Context

The artwork's origins are tied to the Kalighat temple's significance as a pilgrimage site in 19th-century India. The temple's location near Calcutta attracted 'patuas' (folk painters) who developed the distinctive Kalighat style, initially focusing on religious subjects like this painting, before expanding to other themes.