Artwork
Krishna and Jasoda
Krishna and Jasoda is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1885, this work is an opaque watercolor on paper that captures a moment from Hindu mythology: the infant deity Krishna pilfering butter while his mother, Jasoda, remains oblivious. The composition focuses on the intimate interaction between the figures, set against a warm, beige backdrop that emphasizes their closeness.
Subject & Meaning
The narrative derives from traditional stories of Krishna’s childhood mischief, illustrating themes of divine playfulness and maternal devotion. Jasoda’s calm demeanor contrasts with the hidden activity of the child, underscoring the paradox of innocence and divine trickery.
Technique & Style
Executed with bold outlines and vivid pigments, the watercolor displays a lively energy reminiscent of late‑19th‑century Impressionism. The artist emphasizes fleeting gestures and the play of light, using a limited palette to convey warmth and movement within the domestic scene.
History & Provenance
The painting belonged to a series once owned by Miss M. Steele, who inherited it from her mother, a Sanskrit scholar at Cambridge. The collection likely originated with Steele’s grandmother, who spent time in India. The museum acquired the work in 1950, adding it to its holdings of South Asian art.
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
