Krishna and Radha under a Tree in a Storm

Indian

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Object Label

This painting depicts the Hindu god Krishna sitting beneath a tree while his beloved, Radha, runs to join him, seeking shelter from an impending storm. The storm is emblematic of passion—dark and dangerous, yet bringing new life. The union of the lovers is echoed in the intertwining of vines with flowering creepers. Krishna’s love affair with Radha is used as an analogy for the relationship between God and devotee: deeply satisfying but not without its challenges. Here, Radha turns to Krishna for comfort in much the same way a devotee would turn to God.

Caption

Indian. Krishna and Radha under a Tree in a Storm, ca. 1790–early 19th century. Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, sheet: 9 x 6 3/4 in. (22.9 x 17.1 cm) image: 8 3/8 x 6 1/4 in. (21.3 x 15.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund, 70.145.1. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

Asian Art

Culture

Indian

Title

Krishna and Radha under a Tree in a Storm

Date

ca. 1790–early 19th century

Geography

Place made: Kangra, Punjab Hills, India

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Classification

Painting

Dimensions

sheet: 9 x 6 3/4 in. (22.9 x 17.1 cm) image: 8 3/8 x 6 1/4 in. (21.3 x 15.9 cm)

Credit Line

Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund

Accession Number

70.145.1

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