Krishna Stealing the Clothes of Gopis

anonymous, c. 1780

Often loving and playful, the young cowherd is a cherished form of Krishna. In the centre of this bathing scene, a nude gopi (cowherd woman) conceals herself behind the tree. Four women with veils hastily wrapped around their bodies gesture imploringly towards Krishna. Krishna plays his flute in the treetop where the stolen garments sway in the wind.

  • Artwork typedrawing, Indian miniature
  • Object numberRP-T-1993-271
  • Dimensionsheight 267 mm x width 171 mm, height 333 mm x width 209 mm
  • Physical characteristicsbodycolour, gold