Krishna: Mythology and Worship

The Hindu god Krishna is perhaps the most popular of all the appearances (avatars) of the Indian Hindu deity Vishnu. Krishna's life is widely represented in Hindu art, from the infant and mischievous child to divine lover and staunch protector of the good. Each guise allowed devotees a different path to bond with their god. This new installation of works from the Museum's collection is a celebration of Krishna, displaying twenty-three paintings—mostly manuscript pages produced in Rajasthan and the Punjab Hills, illustrating popular events from Krishna's life—textiles that were used to enhance devotional shrines, and sculptures.