Krishna fluting, folio from a Dasavatar series

Beneath an arched bower exploding with blossoming creepers and flowers, Krishna, charmingly poised on one foot, entertains attentively adoring gopis with music from his flute. The painting’s vibrant colors, particularly the vivid red ground, and the ardently focused gazes of the lotus-eyed gopis attest to the powerful currents of emotion connecting the blue-skinned Krishna and his devotees. As an allusion to his divine status, the artist represented Krishna standing upon an open lotus flower that rests on a marble throne inlaid with precious gems. The vines encircling the tree trunks are a visual instantiation of a well-attested metaphor for the relationship between a woman (vine) and her lover (tree). Raja Dhruv Dev Chand of Lambagraon, descendant of the Kangra rulers Sharma, Delhi [1] To 1984 Kapoor Galleries, Inc., New York, New York [2] From 1984 to 2002 Paul F. Walter (1935-2017), New York, New York, purchased from Kapoor Galleries, Inc., New York, New York in 1984 [3] 2002 Sale, New York, Sotheby’s, Important Indian Miniatures from The Paul F. Walter Collection, November 14, 2002, lot 65: “Illustration to a Dasavatara series” [4] From 2002 to 2018 Catherine Glynn Benkaim, Beverly Hills, California, purchased at auction, Sotheby’s, New York, “Important Indian Miniatures from The Paul F. Walter Collection,” November 14, 2002, lot no. 65: “Illustration to a Dasavatara series” [5] From 2018 Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, partial gift and purchase from Catherine Glynn Benkaim [6] Notes: [1] According to Catherine Benkaim. [2] See Sotheby’s auction catalogue from the sale in New York. Sotheby’s, Important Indian Miniatures from The Paul F. Walter Collection, November 14, 2002, lot 65: “Illustration to a Dasavatara series.” [3] See note 2. See also Pal, P., American Collectors Asian Art, (Bombay: Marg Publications, 1986), pp. 205-206. [4] See note 2. [5] See note 2. [6] See Acquisition Consideration Form, object file, Collections Management Office. National Museum of Asian Art Collection Vishnu: Hindu's Blue-skinned Saviour (February to October, 2011) Raja of Lambagraon Sharma Ramesh Kapoor Paul F. Walter (1935-2017) Catherine Glynn Benkaim