May 10, 2004

Krishna Vanquishing the Crane-Demon Bakasura

Krishna Vanquishing the Crane-Demon Bakasura

late 1700s

Gum tempera and gold on paper

Overall: 27.8 x 19.7 cm (10 15/16 x 7 3/4 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1966.29

Location

Did you know?

The true form of the crane-demon tumbles out from the backside of the distressed bird.

Description

The Hindu god Vishnu incarnated himself as Krishna in response to pleadings from the Earth goddess to rid her of a wicked king. The king sent demons of many forms to assassinate Krishna, who effortlessly destroyed them. The South Indian artist effectively used a diagonal composition to show the cause and effect of Krishna’s assault and the fall of the defeated demon.

See also
Collection: 
Indian Art
Type of artwork: 
Painting

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