"Krishna and Balarma Fighting the Enemy", Folio from a Harivamsa (The Legend of Hari (Krishna))
A flurry of warriors clash in this epic scene from the Persian translation of the Hindu classic, the Harivamsa. Krishna, on the left, stands in a chariot and is about to release an arrow. His arrow is intended for a soldier in black and gold armour who stands in a chariot, wielding a shield and sword. Krishna is dressed in yellow garments, a body shield, and sports a crown. Below him, and closer to the left corner, is Balarama, who is fighting using his plow and pestle. He is dressed in blue, and wears a crown. The combat scene is a melee of clashing swords, flying banners, and strewn bodies. The dynamic action of the battle scene is typical of the Akbar period, while the style of the rocks still shows dependence on Persian painting.
Artwork Details
- Title: "Krishna and Balarma Fighting the Enemy", Folio from a Harivamsa (The Legend of Hari (Krishna))
- Date: ca. 1590–95
- Geography: Attributed to present-day Pakistan, probably Lahore
- Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
- Dimensions: Image: H. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
W. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm)
Page: H. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm)
W. 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm)
Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm) - Classification: Codices
- Credit Line: Purchase, Edward C. Moore Jr. Gift, 1928
- Object Number: 28.63.3
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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ca. 1590–95
ca. 1590–95
ca. 1885
dated 531 AH/1137 CE
'Abdullah ibn al-Fadl
dated 621 AH/1224 CE
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