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Narrative

From collection of calendar prints collected in Southern India.

History Of Use

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes. This image printed in Germany for South Indian market, then framed and displayed in a prayer room for 'puja' or worship.

Iconographic Meaning

Krishna, eighth incarnation of Vishnu is associated with strength, vigor, and life. He is unmindful of the cares of everyday living, and subdues any evil with laughter. Can be shown as the divine child (mischievous, impulsive, spontaneous) or as the divine lover with the milkmaids. His favorite, Radha, shows her adoration for him as symbol of a worshipper's passionate devotion. He calls people to lose themselves in bliss by the sound from his flute. Also identified by: blue grey or light blue skin, peacock feather in tiara, u-shaped Vaishnavite third eye, peacock and bovine, full moon, and landscape settings reminiscent of Gopal Krishna living among the cowherds.

Cultural Context

popular religious art

Description

Rectangular shaped print depicting a grey-blue-skinned, black-haired male, Krishna, standing on right with a kneeling female, Radha, and standing male in front of cottage. Krishna is wearing yellow dhoti and cloak, both bordered by green; white floral garland; gold crown with yellow halo shape behind; gold armbands, bracelets, and necklaces; and red vertical bar surrounded by white at centre of forehead. He stands with his left hand pointing towards red pot held by Radha. She has with long black hair and dressed in yellow sari with red border. Other male has black long hair and moustache; is wearing a white dhoti. Green and brown forest in background; ground and cottage is green yellow brown. Scene framed in yellowish border. Dark brown writing along the bottom in Hindi and English, reads: ‘One of Srikishna’s Miracles’.