Tanjore (Tamil Nadu)
Opaque pigments and gold on wood, in original frame
The infant Krishna is seated on a golden throne. The voracious infant is depicted holding a number of butter balls in his right hand, while he reaches over with his left to grab another from the jeweled gold butter pot. Krishna wears a golden sacred thread (yagnopavita) and a kirtimukha-shaped pendant with ruby eyes. He is further decked with ornaments on every part of his body, the anklets on his feet presumably emitting a pleasant sound as he crawls. As always, Krishna is depicted as a chubby child, part of his hair tied in a topknot adorned with jewels, and the characteristic peacock feather completes his rich coiffure. Gorgeously robed and bejeweled, two attendants stand on either side of him, one holding a green parrot and the other a wine cup. In the foreground is a capacious bowl filled with fruit. A deep blue background and a draped, floral curtain complete the composition.
Traditional Tanjore paintings were done on wooden panels which were typically seasoned teak wood or jack wood whose narrow strips were joined together. In some exceptional paintings precious stones were used as insets, but usually it was paste and strips of pure gold foil in which exquisite patterns were etched. Colours were prepared from natural extracts. There was a complete absence of light and shade effects except sometimes on the faces of the main figures. Strong bright and flat colours such as red, white, yellow, green and blue were used. Figures were often rotund, suggesting prosperity. Background colours were typically red, blue or green. The themes were predominantly religious but also included portraits of rulers and courtesans. Figures were usually placed within a pavilion with arches, curtains, pillars etc.
Framed Size (cms): 57(H) x 49(W) x 5(D)
Framed Size (inches): 22.5(H) x 19.5(W) x 2(D)
