Who painted Krishna and Radha?

Krishna and Radha was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Krishna and Radha?

Krishna and Radha is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Krishna and Radha?

Krishna and Radha is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Krishna and Radha

Unknown , 1890

Krishna and Radha 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. Created in 1890, this work combines watercolor with tin‑alloy pigments on paper.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1890, this work combines watercolor with tin‑alloy pigments on paper. It portrays the Hindu deities Krishna and Radha, with Krishna kneeling to touch Radha’s feet. The composition is rendered in vivid, flat colors and a simplified background, characteristic of a 19th‑century Indian painting tradition.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a tender devotional moment: Krishna, the blue‑skinned god, reverently reaches toward Radha, his beloved consort, who is seated beneath a tree. Their interaction reflects themes of divine love and spiritual yearning common in Hindu iconography.

Technique & Style

Executed with rapid brushwork, the piece employs bold, saturated hues and minimal detailing, hallmarks of the Kalighat school that flourished in Calcutta. Figures are outlined in strong lines, with flat areas of color and a sparse backdrop of a yellow pillar and green foliage.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the museum’s collection through a 1955 donation by M. N. Varvill. Its provenance traces back to the late colonial period, when Kalighat prints were popular among both Indian patrons and European collectors.

Context

Kalighat art emerged from the bustling Kalighat temple market, where itinerant artists produced affordable prints for a growing urban audience. The style merged traditional Indian motifs with influences from European printmaking, resulting in the distinctive, graphic aesthetic seen here.