Krishna Killing Bakasura c. 19th century

This painting of Krishna Killing Bakasura was made by an anonymous artist, using opaque watercolor on paper. The artist has skillfully rendered this dramatic scene, but let’s take a moment to consider the materiality of the work itself. The paper support provides a smooth, absorbent surface for the paint, allowing for fine detail and delicate washes of color. Look closely, and you'll see how the artist uses the opaque watercolor to build up layers of pigment, creating depth and texture. The vibrant hues – the blue of Krishna’s skin, the red of his shawl, and the yellow of his dhoti – are all achieved through careful mixing and application of the watercolor paints. The act of painting itself requires time, patience, and skill. This small-scale painting is the product of careful labor. Appreciating the craft and the social context in which it was made allows us to move beyond conventional distinctions between fine art and craft, and to understand the full meaning of the artwork.