Akrura Drives Krishna and Balarama to Mathura, from the “Isarda Bhagavata Purana”
Unknown Artist
c. 1560–70
Medium
Gum tempera and ink on paper
Dimensions
19.3 × 25.7 cm · with mat: 36.3 × 49 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1971.234
About this artwork
A page from a Hindu manuscript shows the dark-skinned Krishna and his white-skinned brother leaving their companions in the cowherd village where they grew up. They are on their way to confront their evil uncle who killed their siblings and imprisoned their parents. Their gestures urgently indicate the direction of their journey. A preference for the color pink in the sky, chariot, and garments distinguishes this work from those of pre-Mughal creation.