Artwork
Krishna and Indra
Krishna and Indra is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Krishna and Indra is a painting from a dispersed manuscript, created around 1590. It depicts a scene from the Harivamsa, a Sanskrit text that continues the Mahabharata.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Krishna on Garuda, a bird, descending to defeat Indra, the lord of the gods, who rides the white elephant Airavata. The scene is watched by gods and celestial beings, and includes a boat in the lower part of the composition.
Technique & Style
The artist's use of swirling fabrics and billowing clouds reflects the influence of European paintings on Mughal court artists. The composition blends Hindu and Persian styles, characterized by bright colors and flowing lines.
History & Provenance
The original manuscript was dispersed and some pages, including this one, were remounted for later albums. The borders were likely added in Lucknow in the late 18th century.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
