The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of June 9, 2023

Krishna and Balarama Touching the Feet of Vasudeva and Devaki

1700–1725

Northern India, Himachal Pradesh, Pahari Kingdom of Chamba

Gum tempera, gold and silver on paper

Page: 28.5 x 21.6 cm (11 1/4 x 8 1/2 in.); Image: 24.3 x 16.5 cm (9 9/16 x 6 1/2 in.)

Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.85

Location

not on view

Fun Fact

Krishna and Balarama wear a ring of bells on each foot.

Description

In front of a massive white architectural facade, Krishna and Balarama offer veneration to their parents. Krishna kneels in the position of supplication, humbly reaching out to touch the foot of his father, Vasudeva. Balarama stands behind his older brother, exhibiting reverence by clasping his hands. Their mother extends her arm toward Krishna and Balarama to recognize her sons’ gestures.

Inscriptions

Inscription

vāsudeve tatha devakīyā de pera baṃdadā hoyā

Inscription Translation

[Krishna] touching the feet of Vasudeva and Devaki

Inscription Remark

On red border in white ink, similar to 18th century Chamba inscription style

Provenance
?–2018
Catherine Glynn Benkaim and Barbara Timmer, Beverly Hills, CA, partial sale and gift to the Cleveland Museum of Art
2018–
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Exhibition history

Indian Gallery 242 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (September 10, 2018-April 7, 2019).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2018.85