Krishna in the Form of Shri Nathji
As the seven-year-old god Shri Nathji, Krishna is shown in the act of lifting up Mount Govardhana to protect his devotees from a tempest invoked by the god Indra. The painting depicts one of the most important images of Krishna that are said to have self-manifested in stone and that served as the primary devotional images in Nathdwara. The form of Shri Nathji is associated with the concepts of wealth and prosperity. His elaborate clothing and jewelry resemble the dress worn by the priest Goswami Vitthalnathji when, on his birthday, he met the Mughal emperor Akbar. This birthday became an important festival in the region, and paintings, such this one, celebrating the event became popular among visiting pilgrims.
Artwork Details
- Title: Krishna in the Form of Shri Nathji
- Date: ca. 1840
- Culture: India (Rajasthan, Mewar, Nathdwara)
- Medium: Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 8 5/8 x 6 in. (21.9 x 15.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, by exchange, 2005
- Object Number: 2005.342
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Tara
1845–46
On loan to The Met
India, Rajasthan, Nathdwara
late 19th century
Ghasi
ca. 1825
Chokha
ca. 1820
Returned to lender
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