Artwork

Krishna and Radha in a Pavilion, from a copy of the Seven Hundred Verses (Sat Sai) of Bihari

Krishna and Radha in a Pavilion, from a copy of the Seven Hundred Verses (Sat Sai) of Bihari is a watercolor painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1719 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The work depicts the divine lovers Krishna and Radha seated beneath a flowering tree within a red pavilion.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts the divine lovers Krishna and Radha seated beneath a flowering tree within a red pavilion. Their garments and the surrounding night sky are highlighted with gold leaf, while delicate birds and blossoms occupy the remaining space. Executed in opaque watercolor on paper, the piece forms part of a manuscript containing seven hundred love verses.

Subject & Meaning

Taken from a collection of romantic poetry, the scene illustrates an episode of devotion between Krishna and Radha, central figures in Hindu devotional literature. The intimate setting under a blossoming tree conveys themes of spiritual union and the fleeting nature of earthly love, a common motif in the verses that accompany the illustration.

Technique & Style

The artist employed opaque watercolor combined with applied gold leaf, creating a luminous surface that emphasizes the figures’ attire and the celestial backdrop. Fine brushwork renders the miniature flora and avian details, filling the composition with ornamental density typical of Indian manuscript illumination during the period.

History & Provenance

Each page of the seven‑hundred‑verse manuscript was hand‑painted, making every copy unique. The use of gold underscores the cultural value assigned to the poetic narrative. The work now resides in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is displayed alongside other examples of South Asian manuscript art.