Cleveland Museum of Art

Radha’s Confidante Brings Her to Krishna, based on poetry of Bihari (Indian, 1595–1663)

Date: c. 1790–1800
Medium: Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Culture: Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Jaipur
Department: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Institution: Cleveland Museum of Art

The blue god Krishna has spread a carpet and set up a canopy in a secret grove to create the space for a romantic tryst with his lover Radha. The wine-colored carpet with allover floral patterns match the canopy, and they are Persian in design. The ruler of the Hindu kingdom of Jaipur, who may have commissioned this painting, had an important collection of Persian carpets and textiles. Wine-and-gold curtains have been unrolled to cover the windows of the house behind Radha and her companion, indicating that she has left the house in secret after it has been closed up for the night. Halos behind the heads of Radha and Krishna suggest their eminence as divine lovers.

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