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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1984.460
People
Unknown Artist
Title
Krishna Leaving Radha's Palace, folio from a Rasikapriya series
Classification
Manuscripts
Work Type
manuscript folio
Date
c. 1660-1680
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Rajasthan, Bundi
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216182

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper; Rajput Style
Dimensions
38.5 x 25 cm (15 3/16 x 9 13/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Philip Hofer
Accession Year
1984
Object Number
1984.460
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Radha stands at the center of her palace’s terrace, flanked by two columns. On the right is a female attendant that holds a peacock feather fan about Radha’s head. Radha’s arms are outstretched, gesturing towards Krishna who is on the right. He turns back to face Radha, his left arm raised. He wears a large gold crown that is topped with three large lotus blossoms. He wears a long orange jama (robe), pearls, and a long garland of white flowers. He is bedecked with strands of pearls, earrings, anklets, and bracelets. Peering from a window on the top right is a female attendant. Large blossoms and trees peer from behind the palace complex. At the top of the painting is a solid yellow block that contains black text written in the Braj language. It states:

[The Nayika speaks to the Nayak:]

O Krishna! You are a nice person and after locking your gaze with other women you fall in love with them as you have a tendency to fall in love with any woman you meet. I know that you consider others as gullible as you are. Why don’t you go to that person where you go every day after dressing up? Do go there and enjoy yourself. Do not look at me in despair. You have fallen in my esteem and if you continue to behave this way you will fall even further. (3.36)







The painting is surrounded by thick, red borders.

Exhibition History

  • Pavilions of Love: A Ritual Space in Indian Painting, Harvard University Art Museums, Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 05/10/2007 - 09/23/2007
  • 32Q: 2590 South and Southeast Asia, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 04/26/2017 - 11/08/2017

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu