Artwork Page for Krishna Vanquishing the Crane-Demon Bakasura

Details / Information for Krishna Vanquishing the Crane-Demon Bakasura

Krishna Vanquishing the Crane-Demon Bakasura

late 1700s
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Southern India, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati

Medium
gum tempera and gold on paper
Measurements
Overall: 27.8 x 19.7 cm (10 15/16 x 7 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1966.29
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The true form of the crane-demon tumbles out from the backside of the distressed bird.

Description

The Hindu god Vishnu incarnated himself as Krishna in response to pleadings from the Earth goddess to rid her of a wicked king. The king sent demons of many forms to assassinate Krishna, who effortlessly destroyed them. The South Indian artist effectively used a diagonal composition to show the cause and effect of Krishna’s assault and the fall of the defeated demon.
A vertically oriented gum tempera and gold painting on paper depicts Krishna within a red arched frame. On our left, the dark blue-skinned boy pulls apart the beak of a large pink and white crane. On our right, a bearded demon with a medium skin tone falls upside down from the bird's tail, clutching a curved sword. Gold accents detail Krishna's jewelry against a cream background with visible paper loss.

Krishna Vanquishing the Crane-Demon Bakasura

late 1700s

Southern India, Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati

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