SOLD | Lord Krishna and Gopis

In this painting, Krishna is depicted as Venugopala, an alluring adolescent chubby child in his human form, belonging to the cowherd community of Braj. The calm and serene Venugopala stands under a kadamba tree with his feet in padasvastika pose whilst playing his flute. He is surrounded by his gopis who according to the esoteric theology of Vaishnavism are the eternal consorts of Krishna. Bejewelled Krishna is lovingly caressed by a cow who licks the sole of his left foot. The delicate celestial natural blues combined with the earthy tones of red, brown and gold make this a uniquely pleasant antique piece.

The Tanjore style of classical painting originated in the late 16th century under the rule of the Maratha Empire under the Chola Dynasty in South India, from the town of Thanjuvar, also known as Tanjore. These ancient  paintings are characterised by rich, flat and vivid colours, simple iconic composition, glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate gesso work with inlay of glass beads precious and semi-precious stones.