Gopal Krishna Item Number: Eg354 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular shaped calendar print depicting Krishna seated slightly sideways, cross-legged on a green rock, holding a flute in his right hand. He is wearing an orange wrap, orange dhoti, long white floral garland and necklaces around neck; crown with a peacock feather in the middle. He has wavy brown hair and a red ‘U’ on forehead. Held in his left arm is a deer stretching its neck upwards. A white cow sits with its back facing viewer. Around Krishna is a lake and bushes with pink flowers. Background consists of brown sky; area around male is golden. Several small houses on left in middle. Orange Sanskrit characters are written on lower right corner. Attached to blank space below the image is the title, 'Gopal Krishna'. The publisher, 'S.S. Brijbasi' is written on lower left corner, and the printer, 'Brijbasi Fao Works', on the lower right corner, both with their addresses.
History Of Use
Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes. This print was produced, framed, and displayed in a prayer room for 'puja' or worship.
Iconographic Meaning
Krishna, eighth incarnation of Vishnu is associated with strength, vigor, and life. He is unmindful of the cares of everyday living, and subdues any evil with laughter. Can be shown as the divine child (mischievous, impulsive, spontaneous) or as the divine lover with the milkmaids. His favorite, Radha, shows her adoration for him as symbol of a worshipper's passionate devotion. He calls people to lose themselves in bliss by the sound from his flute. Also identified by: blue grey or light blue skin, peacock feather in tiara, u-shaped Vaishnavite third eye, peacock and bovine, full moon, and landscape settings reminiscent of Gopal Krishna living among the cowherds.
Cultural Context
popular religious art
Item History
- Made in India during 1930
- Collected between 1974 and 1982
- Owned by Stephen Inglis before January 1983
- Received from Stephen Inglis (Donor) during January 1983
What
- Name
- Gopal Krishna
- Identification Number
- Eg354
- Type of Item
- Overall
- height 71.5 cm, width 51.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- South India
- Previous Owner
- Stephen Inglis
- Received from
- Stephen Inglis (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- India
When
- Creation Date
- during 1930
- Collection Date
- between 1974 and 1982
- Ownership Date
- before January 1983
- Acquisition Date
- during January 1983
Other
- Item Classes
- works on paper
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0857/0202