Artwork Page for Krishna as Kali worshipped by Radha (recto), from a Kalighat album

Details / Information for Krishna as Kali worshipped by Radha (recto), from a Kalighat album

Krishna as Kali worshipped by Radha (recto), from a Kalighat album

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

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Medium
Gum tempera, graphite, and ink on paper
Measurements
Secondary Support: 48.1 x 29.7 cm (18 15/16 x 11 11/16 in.); Painting only: 25.4 x 20.4 cm (10 x 8 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2003.113.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Krishna’s cowgirl (gopi) Radha was Ayanaghosha’s wife, and her devotion to him transcended marital ties. Whenever Radha was together with Krishna and her husband appeared, Krishna instantly transformed himself into Kali and Radha into her devotee. Radha, a model devotee, symbolizes the human soul and its longing for god. Her willingness to break the rules of duty (dharma) exemplifies her devotion.
A vertically oriented tempera painting depicts the blue-skinned god Krishna as Kali standing centrally with a red tongue and four arms. On our right, their hands hold a curved yellow blade and a severed head. On our left, Radha, a woman with a light skin tone dressed in a pink sari, kneels with downcast eyes. Krishna wears a yellow wrap and a feathered halo, standing upon a small pink lotus pedestal.

Krishna as Kali worshipped by Radha (recto), from a Kalighat album

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

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