Sri Nathaji
Unknown Artist
c. 1900
Medium
Gum tempera on paper
Dimensions
24.5 × 17.2 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
2001.162
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This painted depiction of the black stone sculpture regarded by followers of the Pushti Marg sect as Shri Nathji, a living embodiment of Krishna, includes all the elements carved into the monolithic stele behind the figure. Snakes, beasts, and yogis occupy a wild, rocky landscape. Priests have dressed the figure in light garments, indicative of a hot season, and applied a turban, jewelry, and eyes, which look down upon devotees who would be worshiping at his feet. This painting probably stood on...