INDIA, BIKANER, CIRCA 1590-1610

Details

The killing of Kamsa
India, Bikaner, circa 1590-1610
A nobleman in a red angharka and white turban grabbing Kamsa, ruler of Mathura and uncle of Krishna, by the hair, the loosened turban falling to the ground, on a terrace in a pistachio-green landscape outside a domed palace at left, with blue-skinned Krishna and white-skinned Balarama at right, the divine figures wearing long garlands, gold bangles, and tall tripartite tiaras, partly damaged full peach margin with inner white rules, yellow outer border, the reverse with devanagri inscriptions, ownership stamp and librarian's signature
Opaque pigments and gold on paper
6 5/8 x 9 5/8 in. (17 x 24.6 cm.)

Provenance

Royal Collection of Bikaner (no. 637), before 11 June 1964

Engraved

The main inscription on the reverse in devanagri reads
104 Sawai Nameh Hazoor no

Special Notice

Lots which are Art Treasures under the Art and Antiquities Act 1972 cannot be exported outside India. Please note that lots are marked as a convenience to you and we shall not be liable for any errors in, or failure to, mark any lot.

Brought to you by

Umah Jacob

ujacob@christies.com +91 22 2280 7905

Lot Essay

The scene is identified with a devanagri inscription on the verso as illustrating line 143 of the Bhagavata Purana, the episode in which Krishna defeats the villainous king Kamsa, who is also the deity's uncle. The painting represents the moment before the killing, when Kamsa is attacked by a nobleman who begins the subduing process. Krishna reaches towards his proper left side, perhaps for a sword concealed there. Balarama points a finger at his lips in a gesture of astonishment. For another painting from the same series, see the preceding lot.

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