Nitai and Gaur
Unknown Artist
c. 1890
Medium
Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
Dimensions
painting only: 45.4 × 27.8 cm · secondary support: 50 × 29.6 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
2003.154
About this artwork
Pictured are Gaur (the Golden One) and Nitai (he who embodies eternal bliss), Gaur’s disciple par excellence. Gaur, also known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is believed by his followers to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Nitai is believed to be an avatar of Balarama and, therefore, the brother and friend of Krishna. They are depicted here with hands raised, chanting a devotional song.