Artwork Page for Sri Nathaji

Details / Information for Sri Nathaji

Sri Nathaji

c. 1900

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Kota

Medium
Gum tempera on paper
Measurements
Overall: 24.5 x 17.2 cm (9 5/8 x 6 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2001.162
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

This painted depiction of the black stone sculpture regarded by followers of the Pushti Marg sect as Shri Nathji, a living embodiment of Krishna, includes all the elements carved into the monolithic stele behind the figure. Snakes, beasts, and yogis occupy a wild, rocky landscape. Priests have dressed the figure in light garments, indicative of a hot season, and applied a turban, jewelry, and eyes, which look down upon devotees who would be worshiping at his feet.

This painting probably stood on a domestic shrine for daily devotions and served as a memento of a pilgrimage to Nathdwara.
A vertically oriented gum tempera painting on fragmented paper depicts the dark-skinned Sri Nathaji standing centrally. Facing us, they raise their left arm overhead while holding a long-stemmed lotus in the right hand. Adorned in ornate white and green jewelry and a white waist cloth, the deity is framed within a light gray oval. A dark, patterned background featuring small animal and human icons is bordered by a torn red frame.

Sri Nathaji

c. 1900

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Kota

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