Love Avatar of Krishna

Krishna has a number of different forms or images according to the popular legends prevalent in the mythologies of Hinduism and India. He is seen as a naughty child as well as a sensual lover. In this particular picture, Krishna is seen as the seducer and the lover. However, there is a beautiful symmetry and overall perspective without much emphasis on the space of this picture. Krishna turns towards the audience playing his flute. Radha on the other hand, is turned the other way, yet with her face turned towards where Krishna stands, attracted by the sound of the flute floating in the air. This is an ardent example of the love between the devotee and the devoted, bordering on mysticism and eroticism. It is a painting that refers to the Bhakti movement and the prevalent notions of the movement. The sensuality in the picture is quiet evident from the feminine figure turned towards Krishna, with her hand resting on her waist. Both of their eyes are closed, as if to shut out the external world around them. This is also another popular image in Bhakti poetry and art, where the devoted finds her devotee before her eyes with her eyes closed to the world.