Infant Krishna shows Yashoda the Universe in His Mouth
18th century
Description
Seated on a bench is Yashoda with the infant Krishna on her lap. Yashoda is the foster mother of Krishna, who is the eighth avatar of Vishnu and venerated as a deity in his own right. Both figures are adorned with gold jewelry and ornaments. Hanging from the canopy above them are garlands of white flowers, the same that adorn Yashoda’s hair. Krishna holds both his hands up towards her as she supports him with one of hers and gestures with the other. The small orbs around Krishna’s mouth represent the universe. Yashoda caught Krishna eating soil and when she confronted him about it, he lied. She demanded that he open his mouth to show her, and when he did, she saw the entire universe, signifying that the young Krishna was a god. This depiction captures the moment when she sees the universe, and right before she faints from bewilderment.
Dimensions
28 x 19.6 cm (11 x 7 11/16 in.)
Provenance
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1983 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Note: Object was accounted for in 1983 inventory.
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