Prithvi Singh of Orchha worshipping Krishna Venugopala

ca. 1740

Not on view

This charming painting depicts the ruler of Orchha, Prithvi Singh (r. 1735–52), engaged in pious worship of lord Krishna in his flute-playing guise of Venugopala. Krishna stands alert, his side-flute held to his lips as he engages his devotee in a sideward gaze. The raja, who stands reverently before his private shrine, offering lotus in his pressed hands, appears mesmerized by the sweet sounds of Krishna’s flute. Krishna Venugopala stands in a pavilion with a Mughal-style floral mural dado and a gilded orange blind, here drawn up. The blue god stands on a gilded stool cushioned with a bed of lotus petals, and ritual utensils are arranged around and before him.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Prithvi Singh of Orchha worshipping Krishna Venugopala
Date: ca. 1740
Culture: India, Madhya Pradesh, Orchha
Medium: Opaque watercolor, gold and ink on paper
Dimensions: Image: 12 3/4 × 8 1/4 in. (32.4 × 21 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Object Number: 2025.513
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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