Who painted Krishna and Kamsa?

Krishna and Kamsa was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Krishna and Kamsa?

Krishna and Kamsa is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Krishna and Kamsa?

Krishna and Kamsa is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Krishna and Kamsa

Unknown , 1890

Krishna and Kamsa is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1890, this watercolor and tin‑alloy work on paper illustrates the mythic episode in which the deity Krishna slays the tyrant Kamsa. Executed in the Kalighat school of Calcutta, the composition relies on vivid, flat pigments, pronounced outlines, and a simplified, almost graphic treatment of the figures, set against an unadorned background.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures the climactic moment of Krishna confronting Kamsa, a narrative drawn from Hindu scripture. The standing figure, rendered in blue and orange with a crown, represents Krishna, while the kneeling opponent, shown in yellow and green with a red headwrap, signifies Kamsa. The stark posture and gestures convey the triumph of divine justice over oppression.

Technique & Style

Typical of Kalighat art, the piece employs rapid brushstrokes and bold color blocks, emphasizing clarity over realism. The use of tin alloy for certain details adds a subtle sheen, while the clean, black outlines define the forms. The overall aesthetic resembles a folk illustration, making the story instantly recognizable to a wide audience.

History & Provenance

The work entered the museum collection through a 1955 donation by M. N. Varvill, Esq. Its provenance traces back to the late nineteenth‑century workshops of Kalighat, where itinerant artists produced affordable prints for the burgeoning urban market of Calcutta.

Context

During the 1880s and 1890s, Kalighat painters frequently depicted scenes from local mythology, religious epics, and contemporary events, catering to both devotional and secular viewers. This painting reflects that tradition, translating a sacred narrative into a format accessible to the city's diverse populace.