Artwork Page for Nitai and Gaur

Details / Information for Nitai and Gaur

Nitai and Gaur

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

Medium
Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
Measurements
Secondary Support: 50 x 29.6 cm (19 11/16 x 11 5/8 in.); Painting only: 45.4 x 27.8 cm (17 7/8 x 10 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2003.154
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Pictured are Gaur (the Golden One) and Nitai (he who embodies eternal bliss), Gaur’s disciple par excellence. Gaur, also known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is believed by his followers to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Nitai is believed to be an avatar of Balarama and, therefore, the brother and friend of Krishna. They are depicted here with hands raised, chanting a devotional song.
A vertically oriented painting depicts the simplified outlines of two near identical men with light skin tones standing side-by-side. Facing right, both raise their right arms with clenched fists. They wear striped maroon shawls and white dhotis with thin gray necklaces and armbands. Their black hair is tied in topknots above oversized eyes. Each figure stands on a purple oval platform against a neutral background.

Nitai and Gaur

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

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