DrawingsIndian18th century

A Young, Sword-Bearing Krishna with Three Attendants (pounce

18th century

Description

At the center of the page is a young figure of Krishna, the eighth avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu who is worshipped as a deity in his own right. He wears an elaborately decorated turban which is topped with a lotus, a symbol of Vishnu. His piety is also signified by the faintly-drawn halo with emanating rays behind his head. Krishna wears a long robe (jama) with a flowing skirt, pendants, an earring, and Khadau sandals, which distinctly elevates the heel and front of the foot. Three attendants follow Krishna, each carrying various accoutrements that symbolize Krishna’s elevated status: an umbrella (chhatri), fly whisk, peacock feather fan, and a quiver full of arrows. Small holes can be found outlining some of the figures. The holes represent a transferring technique known as pounce. Powder, such as graphite or chalk, is passed through the holes onto a clean working surface to give an exact copy of the image that is to be copied. Rajput Style, Kota School.

Classification

Drawings

Medium

Ink on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School

Culture

Indian

Century

18th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

17.4 x 11.8 cm (6 7/8 x 4 5/8 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1969 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1969.