A FOLIO FROM THE BHAGAVATA PURANA: KRISHNA AND THE DEMONESS PUTANA

CENTRAL INDIA, MALWA, CIRCA 1680-90

Details

A FOLIO FROM THE BHAGAVATA PURANA: KRISHNA AND THE DEMONESS PUTANA
CENTRAL INDIA, MALWA, CIRCA 1680-90
Divided into three scenes, the top left depicting the cowherders and an elderly sage set on a green background, the top right with baby Krishna being presented by the elderly sage to Yashoda and Putana set on a maroon background, lower section depicting the giant form of the demoness Putana, having been strangled by Krishna is being cut up and burnt by the people of Vraj, text inscription on verso
Opaque pigments on wasli heightened with gold
7 5/8 x 14 1/8 in. (19.3 x 35.8 cm.)

Provenance

Doris Wiener Gallery, New York, late 1960s or early 1970s

Lot Essay

This painting depicts the redemption of the demoness, Putana. As a baby, though Krishna survived his uncle's initial attempt to kill him, King Kamsa continued his attempts to destroy him. Kamsa sent the demoness Putana to poison Krishna while breastfeeding him, instead Krishna killed her by sucking the life out of her (see lot 267). In the present folio, the cowherders hack her body to pieces and burn it (lower right and left). The pyre emits a sweet smell, indicating Putana's sins have been erased since she was delivered to her end by Krishna. In the meantime, Krishna's father Nanda holds him with delight (upper right).

More from The Doris Wiener Collection

View All