The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 13, 2025

Krishna Ferrying Radha Across the Yamuna River (recto); Parivati Placing a Wedding Garland on Shiva (verso)

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
Secondary Support: 48.5 x 29.3 cm (19 1/8 x 11 9/16 in.)
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2003.129
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Krishna has a Prince Albert hairstyle.

Description

This image is taken from popular dramas where Krishna, lover of the cowgirls (gopis), disguises himself as a boatman to ferry a demure Radha, his favorite gopi. It depicts devotion and the intensity of separated lovers.
  • ?-2003
    William E. Ward [1922-2004], Solon, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2003-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Indian Kalighat Paintings. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (May 1-September 18, 2011). (2003.129.a only)
  • {{cite web|title=Krishna Ferrying Radha Across the Yamuna River (recto); Parivati Placing a Wedding Garland on Shiva (verso)|url=false|author=|year=c. 1890|access-date=13 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2003.129