Cowherd women seek the God Krishna in the forest, 1520-1540
Unknown artist, Indiaexpand_more
Opaque watercolors on paperexpand_more
The Katherine Kittredge McMillan Memorial Fundexpand_more 95.4.1
Not on Viewexpand_more
Art Champions
Conservation Cost $4,360.00
This important painting comes from a manuscript nicknamed the “Scotch-tape” Bhagavata Purana (Ancient Story of the Blessed One), so called because a previous owner opted to stabilize the folios’ frayed corners with cellophane tape! It is the earliest known illustrated manuscript to chronicle the life story of the beloved Lord Krishna. Here, the artist captures the fervent ardor of the gopis (cowherd wives) as they search for their divine love in a fantastical, moonlit forest. The bold use of color, exaggerated gestures, and bristling costumes mark the crystallization of a pre-Mughal style, which, along with the exploits of Krishna, would become salient features of Indian court painting thereafter.
At present, the condition of this historically significant work is unstable. Conservation must be done to consolidate and prevent active flaking of the pigments; replace detrimental paper fills and hinges; repair minor tears; and surface clean the front and back to remove grime and enhance viewing.
Contact the Chinese, South and Southeast Asian Art Department at CSSAA@artsmia.org or (612) 870-3220 to Champion this artwork.
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