The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 14, 2025

Sri Nathaji

c. 1900

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Kota

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

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.
  • ?–2001
    William E. Ward [1922–2004], Solon, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2001–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Krishna and the Path of Grace – Indian Gallery 242 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (August 14, 2020-March 7, 2021).
  • {{cite web|title=Sri Nathaji|url=false|author=|year=c. 1900|access-date=14 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2001.162