Leaf from a Bhagavata Purana Series: The Story of Shridama, the Indigent Brahmin (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
This page illustrates a story from the Bhagavata Purana, a Hindu text that extols the virtues of the deity Vishnu, particularly in his avatar (incarnation) as the blue-skinned god Krishna. The tale depicted is of the indigent Brahmin Shridama, a childhood friend of Krishna, who later in life, due to his selflessness, was graced by the god’s charity. The compartmentalized composition condenses the narrative’s many details. In the top of the building on the left, Shridama visits Krishna and offers him rice, but finds himself unable to ask for the deity’s help. Along a register of green at the painting’s center, Shridama trudges back to his village. Like a carpet rolled out through the forest, this green strip carries him to a miraculous surprise: greeted by musicians and family members, the Brahmin discovers that his formerly miserable hovel has been transformed into a grand palace.
Gift of Mimi and Perk Wilson
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