An avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu, Krishna descended to Earth to kill Kansa, the king of Mathura who had gained excessive power and threatened to upset the world order. Indian literature and art is filled with depictions of Krishna’s mischievous youth, heroic encounters with demons, and romantic ventures that are metaphors for his devotees’ emotional relationships with God. Blue skinned, usually in a saffron-colored loincloth and a peacock-feather crown, the young lord often carries a flute that, when played, enchants all who hear it.
This exhibition brings together paintings—twenty from VMFA’s permanent collection and a single loan— from north and central India featuring this beloved boyish Indian god.