Krishna and the sacred syllable Om
In Hinduism, the sacred syllable Om is a primeval seed, a metaphor for the origin of all things. It also serves as an invocation for devotees to seek communion with their god. This image of Krishna emerging from an Om projects him as the highest expression of divinity one can access. The artist chose to depict Krishna in his child form; his flute playing is associated with his adolescent exploits. This and other celebrated accounts of his childhood, as told in the Bhagavata Purana, made Krishna one of the most beloved deities in the Hindu pantheon, especially among female devotees.
Artwork Details
- Title: Krishna and the sacred syllable Om
- Date: mid-20th century
- Culture: India, Mumbai
- Medium: Photo-offset lithography
- Dimensions: Sheet: 14 5/16 × 9 7/8 in. (36.4 × 25.1 cm)
Image: 13 3/4 × 9 7/16 in. (34.9 × 24 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of John and Fausta Eskenazi, 2025
- Object Number: 2025.269.4
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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