Who painted Krishna's Insomnia, Page from a Rasikapriya?

Krishna's Insomnia, Page from a Rasikapriya was painted by Unknown in 1634.

Where can I see Krishna's Insomnia, Page from a Rasikapriya?

Krishna's Insomnia, Page from a Rasikapriya is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Krishna's Insomnia, Page from a Rasikapriya?

Krishna's Insomnia, Page from a Rasikapriya is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Krishna's Insomnia, Page from a Rasikapriya

Unknown , 1634

Krishna's Insomnia, Page from a Rasikapriya is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Krishna’s Insomnia is a miniature painting that originally formed part of a manuscript illustration, likely from the Rasikapriya.

About this work

Overview

Krishna’s Insomnia is a miniature painting that originally formed part of a manuscript illustration, likely from the Rasikapriya. Executed in the vivid palette typical of the Malwa school, the work measures only a few inches across yet conveys a lively tableau through its bold hues and intricate detailing.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts the deity Krishna, rendered with his characteristic blue skin, seated cross‑legged beneath a bright red canopy. Flanking him are two deer, symbols of his pastoral world, while a large, patterned parasol offers additional shade. The surrounding sky and stylised green pillars frame the figure, suggesting a narrative moment drawn from devotional literature.

Technique & Style

Created with fine brushwork on paper, the painting employs mineral pigments that produce saturated reds, blues, and greens. The Malwa school’s emphasis on decorative patterning is evident in the parasol’s elaborate motifs and the crisp outlines of the figures, while the composition balances flat areas of colour with subtle gradations to suggest depth.

History & Provenance

The work is associated with the Rasikapriya, a 17th‑century treatise on Indian painting, indicating it was likely produced for a courtly patron in central India. Though the exact ownership trail is unclear, the piece has been documented in collections of Indian miniature paintings and is referenced in scholarly surveys of Malwa school output.

Context

Krishna’s Insomnia reflects the devotional fervour of the period, where miniature manuscripts served both as religious texts and objects of aesthetic appreciation. Its vivid execution exemplifies the Malwa school’s contribution to the broader tradition of Indian court painting, influencing later regional styles that continued to blend narrative content with ornamental richness.