SHARADA PURNIMA (Festival of the autumn full moon)  PICHHAVAI

Nathadwara, Gujarat, India

Late 19^th century

In a clearing near the banks of the river Yamuna Krishna has multiplied himself eight times and engages eight pairs of Gopis in a circle dance (maharasa mandala). Standing on a marble platform (paata) with steps (siri) on one side they are all holding hands while dancing, there are flowers on the floor.

In the centre Krishna is dancing with his beloved Radha.

Four Gopi-musicians on each side with different instruments accompany the dancers.

In the forest behind the dancers and in the clearing are peacocks, monkeys and parrots.

In the river are fish; lotus flowers are growing.

Shiva (left) and Vishnu (right) with their consorts float in the deep blue sky in their vimanas.

The painting is surrounded by a floral border.

115x155 cm

03/10-MB-BBLE