The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 22, 2025

Radha and Krishna (verso), from a Kalighat album

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
Secondary Support: 47.7 x 29.7 cm (18 3/4 x 11 11/16 in.); Painting only: 45.6 x 27.7 cm (17 15/16 x 10 7/8 in.)
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2003.156.b
Location: Not on view

Description

Radha, Krishna’s consort and foremost of the cowgirls (gopis), is depicted here with Krishna, seated on a divan. Popular stories of their romance evoke longing in separation, jealousy, and secret trysts. This image portrays their mutually passionate relationship.
  • ?–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, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (May 1-September 18, 2011).
  • {{cite web|title=Radha and Krishna (verso), from a Kalighat album|url=false|author=|year=c. 1890|access-date=22 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2003.156.b