Radha’s Confidante Brings Her to Krishna, based on poetry of Bihari (Indian, 1595–1663)
Unknown Artist
c. 1790–1800
Medium
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
page: 28.3 × 39.4 cm · miniature: 21.6 × 31.4 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession Number
2018.172
About this artwork
The blue god Krishna has spread a carpet and set up a canopy in a secret grove to create the space for a romantic tryst with his lover Radha. The wine-colored carpet with allover floral patterns match the canopy, and they are Persian in design. The ruler of the Hindu kingdom of Jaipur, who may have commissioned this painting, had an important collection of Persian carpets and textiles. Wine-and-gold curtains have been unrolled to cover the windows of the house behind Radha and her companion, ind...