Vastraharana (Krishna steals the gopis’ saris)
This image depicts Krishna stealing the milkmaids’ clothing while they bathe in the Yamuna River. The god sits in a tall tree having hung the women’s saris on branches beyond their reach. Some of the gopis implore him to return the saris to restore their modesty. This is a favorite subject among the adolescent pranks of Krishna’s youth, and foretells the passionate devotionalism (bhakti) celebrated in the rasalila dance and Krishna’s dalliance with Radha. The unusual title given to this subject, Vastraharana, comes from Marathi word ‘to disrobe.’
Artwork Details
- Title: Vastraharana (Krishna steals the gopis’ saris)
- Artist: Hira Lal Karmakar (Indian, active 1920s–1940s)
- Date: ca. 1930
- Culture: India
- Medium: Lithograph
- Dimensions: Image: 13 3/4 × 19 3/4 in. (34.9 × 50.2 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Purchase, Robert and Bobbie Falk Philanthropic Fund Gift, 2024
- Object Number: 2024.455
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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