Krishna Kills the Crane Demon by Anonymous

Krishna Kills the Crane Demon c. 1720

childish illustration

cartoon like

water colours

handmade artwork painting

naive art

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

cartoon carciture

cartoon theme

watercolor

This 18th century Indian painting, "Krishna Kills the Crane Demon," depicts the Hindu deity Krishna fighting a crane demon. The image is set in a lush green landscape with trees, flowers, and cattle. Krishna, depicted with blue skin, is shown defeating the demon by piercing its beak with a weapon. The illustration is a vivid example of the Mughal style of miniature painting, characterized by its bright colors, intricate details, and narrative focus. The painting, which is housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases the rich cultural heritage of India through its depiction of a popular religious tale.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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The artist identified as "the Master at the Court at Mankot" (possibly Meju) is prized for painting deeply felt, astoundingly inventive pictures. Here, the artist depicts one of the childhood exploits of Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who comes to earth to vanquish evil. In this scene, the blue-skinned Krishna and the cowherds (gopas) take their cattle to a pond in the idyllic landscape of Vjraj, only to be disturbed by yet another demon sent by the wicked King Kamsa of Mathura. The giant crane demon Bakasura swallows Krishna, but the great god emits so much heat that the crane disgorges him; Krishna then tears the demonbird apart, ripping its beak asunder. The artist triumphantly depicts the spray of blood, as well as the crane’s now lifeless tongue. Throughout the painting, we also see the Mankot Master’s flair for pattern, put to mesmerizing effect in the otherworldly trees.