Krishna Leela

c. 21st century

This Odisha Pattachitra by Akshaya Kumar Bariki illustrates Krishna Leela.

The middle panel features Krishna and Radha in an embrace. As Odisha Pattachitras were traditionally used as personal home shrines, the central icons are always larger and primary. This is followed by supporting stories and images around them, which are smaller in size to symbolise hierarchy. In this painting, Krishna’s life episodes cover the outside panels, which depict his many stories, including the destruction of the snake Kaliya, the lifting of Govardhan Mountain, and the destruction of other demons like Bakasura and Hayagriva, as well as demonesses Putana.

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Title
Krishna Leela
Period
c. 21st century
Artist
Akshay Kumar Bariki
Style
Odisha Pattachitra
Medium
Gum Tempera on Cloth
Dimensions
H: 63.4 cm x W: 94.2 cm
Accession No.
2015.2.120