Radha and Krishna Walking at Night, folio from the Tehri Garhwal series of the Gita Govinda
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.In this erotically charged image of lovers, Radha stands in Krishna’s arms with her leg crossed in a dancer’s pose. She gazes lovingly into his eyes and futilely pushes him away. Set within a landscape at night, this unusual painting emphasizes Radha and Krishna’s isolation and invites the viewer to consider their own exclusive access to the gods.
The opening verses of the Gita Govinda inscribed on the back of this work describe how the artist conceived of the scene:
Clouds thicken the sky.
Tamala trees darken the forest.
The night frightens him.
Radha, you take him home!
They leave at Nanda’s [Krishna’s stepfather] order,
Passing trees in thickets on the way,
Until secret passions of Radha and Mandava [Krishna] Triumph on the Jamna riverbank.
The opening verses of the Gita Govinda inscribed on the back of this work describe how the artist conceived of the scene:
Clouds thicken the sky.
Tamala trees darken the forest.
The night frightens him.
Radha, you take him home!
They leave at Nanda’s [Krishna’s stepfather] order,
Passing trees in thickets on the way,
Until secret passions of Radha and Mandava [Krishna] Triumph on the Jamna riverbank.
Artwork Details
- Title: Radha and Krishna Walking at Night, folio from the Tehri Garhwal series of the Gita Govinda
- Date: ca. 1775–80
- Culture: India, Punjab Hills, kingdom of Kangra or Guler
- Medium: Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
- Dimensions: Page: H. 7 1/16 in. (17.9 cm)
W. 11 in. (27.9 cm)
Painting: H. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
W. 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Promised Gift of Steven Kossak, The Kronos Collections
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art