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Krishna in the Form of Shri Nathji

India (Rajasthan, Mewar, Nathdwara)

ca. 1840

Not on view

As the seven-year-old god Shri Nathji, Krishna is shown in the act of lifting up Mount Govardhana to protect his devotees from a tempest invoked by the god Indra. The painting depicts one of the most important images of Krishna that are said to have self-manifested in stone and that served as the primary devotional images in Nathdwara. The form of Shri Nathji is associated with the concepts of wealth and prosperity. His elaborate clothing and jewelry resemble the dress worn by the priest Goswami Vitthalnathji when, on his birthday, he met the Mughal emperor Akbar. This birthday became an important festival in the region, and paintings, such this one, celebrating the event became popular among visiting pilgrims.

Krishna in the Form of Shri Nathji, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, India (Rajasthan, Mewar, Nathdwara) — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Krishna in the Form of Shri Nathji, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, India (Rajasthan, Mewar, Nathdwara)

Krishna in the Form of Shri Nathji, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, India (Rajasthan, Mewar, Nathdwara)

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Title: Krishna in the Form of Shri Nathji

Date: ca. 1840

Culture: India (Rajasthan, Mewar, Nathdwara)

Medium: Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions: Image: 8 5/8 x 6 in. (21.9 x 15.2 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Credit Line: Purchase, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, by exchange, 2005

Accession Number: 2005.342

Chronology

South Asia and the Himalayan Region, 1800-1900 A.D.

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