Krishna as Kali worshipped by Radha (recto), from a Kalighat album
Unknown Artist
c. 1890
Medium
Gum tempera, graphite, and ink on paper
Dimensions
painting only: 25.4 × 20.4 cm · secondary support: 48.1 × 29.7 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward
Accession Number
2003.113.a
About this artwork
Krishna’s cowgirl (gopi) Radha was Ayanaghosha’s wife, and her devotion to him transcended marital ties. Whenever Radha was together with Krishna and her husband appeared, Krishna instantly transformed himself into Kali and Radha into her devotee. Radha, a model devotee, symbolizes the human soul and its longing for god. Her willingness to break the rules of duty (dharma) exemplifies her devotion.