1900s Tanjore Painting Krishna Flute Venugopala India Indian Thanjavur Antique Vintage Framed

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Antique Indian Tanjore Painting of Krishna as Venugopala

Opaque natural vegetable dye pigments, gold leaf and sukka (limestone paste) on … Read more Antique Indian Tanjore Painting of Krishna as Venugopala

Opaque natural vegetable dye pigments, gold leaf and sukka (limestone paste) on wood.
Original wood frame. Glass

Estimated from 1910s. Framed in the 50s
Approximate Dimensions: Framed:H 12.5 x W 10 x D 0.75 inch
painting: H 11 x W 8.25 inch

The painting depicts Krishna as a young man out grazing his cows and enchanting the cowherd maidens (Gopikas) with the divine sound of his flute, attracting even Kamadeva (the Hindu god of love and passion). On either side of Krishna are two beautiful gopis or attendants in decorated saris listening to Krishna mesimerized. Krishna is shown standing on a lotus, a symbol of divine perfection. He wears a glittering pleated shawl around his shoulders and holds the flute in his elegant hands. His hair is tied in the characteristic topknot and decorated with a headpiece. A cow has wrapped himself around Krishna’s legs, and is licking his rightfoot. Above him is a shimmering green tree, where even the birds seem to be enchanted by Krishna’s music.

His pranks reveal His essence
A breathtakingly beautiful painting, the impact in a darkened room is that of a glowing presence.
Traditional Tanjore paintings are possessed as heirlooms.

*Tanjore painting is a major form of classical South Indian painting from the town of Thanjavur (anglicized as Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu, India. The art form dates back to about 1600 AD, a period when the Nayakas of Thanjavur encouraged art—chiefly, classical dance and music—as well as literature, both in Telugu and Tamil.

Tanjore paintings are known for their surface richness, vivid colors, compact composition and especially the glittering gold foils used to give the paintings their rich look . Essentially serving as devotional icons, the subjects of most paintings are Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints.
Episodes from Hindu tradition are drawn upon as elaborations of the main figure or figures placed in the central section of the picture. Tanjore paintings are panel paintings done on solid wood planks.
In modern times, these paintings have become souvenirs of festive occasions in South India, pieces to decorate walls, and collectors' items for art lovers See less