Collection Online
Krishna

Krishna
(19th century)

Medium
bronze

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented by His H'ness Rajah Kumar Nawab Shyama Tagore, 1910

Gallery location
Level 1, NGV International

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About this work

Krishna is an avatar, or incarnation, of the principal deity Vishnu – a popular subject in Hindu mythology. He appears in many different forms, with the various stages of his life represented in legends called Krishna charitas. Tales of Krishna’s early life in the historical city of Vrindavan describe him living among the gopis (cow-herding women devotees). This period of Krishna’s life became a popular subject in art, and he is often depicted playing the flute or in the company of his companion Radha. Radha and Krishna’s divine union became idealised in Hindu folklore, inspiring many songs and paintings representing their mutual love and devotion.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
India

Accession Number
897-D2

Department
Asian Art

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation