Who painted Yasoda and Krishna?

Yasoda and Krishna was painted by Unknown in 1890.

Where can I see Yasoda and Krishna?

Yasoda and Krishna is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Yasoda and Krishna?

Yasoda and Krishna is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Yasoda and Krishna

Unknown , 1890

Yasoda and Krishna 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 in 1890, this work combines watercolor and tin alloy on paper, exemplifying the Kalighat school that emerged in 19th‑century Calcutta. The composition centers on a seated woman in a vivid yellow sari, cradling a small child, while a blue‑skinned deity with a peacock feather crown reaches toward her hand.

Subject & Meaning

The female figure represents Yashoda, the foster mother of the Hindu god Krishna, depicted in a tender, domestic pose. The blue figure is Krishna himself, identifiable by his characteristic complexion and crown, emphasizing the devotional narrative of maternal love and divine presence.

Technique & Style

The painting employs flat, saturated colors outlined in bold black lines, a hallmark of Kalighat aesthetics. Subtle shading adds a gentle three‑dimensionality, while the use of tin alloy pigment provides a metallic sheen that enhances the visual contrast between the figures and background.

History & Provenance

Acquired by the museum in 2023, the piece entered the collection through a donation from Ernest H. Hindley of Lightcliffe. Museum records document the gift and confirm the work’s attribution to the Kalighat tradition.

Context

Kalighat paintings were produced by itinerant artists from rural Bengal who catered to a growing urban market in Calcutta, often illustrating popular religious themes for a broad audience. This work reflects that cultural exchange, merging folk devotional content with a commercial, print‑like visual language.