The Union and Separation of the Hindu God Krishna and Radha, from a Song of Govind (Gita Govinda) manuscript Artist: Unknown

ca. 1720

Asian Art

By appointment, Duffy Study Room

The composition in this image is divided into two halves, perhaps representing Radha’s shifting mental state as she recalls a meeting with her lover, Krishna, and awaits another union. On either side is a cave in a dense forest. The cave at left is bright red, suggesting the passion and intensity of Krishna and Radha’s emotions when they are together. However, the cave at right is dull gray, reflecting Radha’s melancholy when alone.

Medium

Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper

Dimensions

without mounting: 8 1/4 × 15 1/2 in. (20.9 × 39.3 cm)
with mounting: 15 11/16 × 22 5/16 in. (39.8 × 56.6 cm)

Credit Line

The Vera M. and John D. MacDonald, B.A. 1927, Collection, Gift of Mrs. John D. MacDonald

Accession Number

2001.138.27.3

Geography

Udaipur, Mewar, India

Culture

Indian

Period

Mughal dynasty (1526–1857)

Classification

Paintings

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
Vera M. MacDonald and John D. MacDonald, Boston, Mass., by 2001; given to the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn., 2001
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

human figures (visual works), illustration

Inscriptions

Smaraturam daivata-vaidya-hrdya\r\ntvad-anga-sangamruta-matra-sadhyam\r\nnivrtta-badham kuruse na radham\r\nupendra vajrad api daruno'si\r\n\r\n

Technical metadata and APIs

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