This encounter between the blue-skinned Krishna and his consort, Radha, is a variation on the theme of dana lila, or “gift play.” Radha, dressed as an officer, threatens to take Krishna into custody for making cheeky comments towards her and her female companions.
A city looms large in the painting’s background. Architectural details such as pierced-stone screens and railings and balcony spaces are clearly discernible against pink and white walls. In the shadow of this urban space, the lovers exercise a coy restraint, while two of Krishna’s companions gaze at the couple knowingly.
Details
- Title: Krishna Demands a Toll
- Date: c. 1825
- Medium: Opaque watercolor on paper
- Dimensions: image: 9-1/8 x 7-1/8 in. (23.2 x 18.1 cm); sheet: 11-3/4 x 9-3/4 in. (29.9 x 24.8 cm)
- Credit Line: Norton Simon Museum, Gift of Ramesh and Urmil Kapoor
- Accession Number: P.2000.09.2
- Copyright: © Norton Simon Museum
Object Information
Tales of the Blue Lord
- Norton Simon Museum, 2007-11-09 to 2008-05-12
Painted Poems: Rajput Paintings from the Ramesh and Urmil Kapoor Collection
- Norton Simon Museum, 2004-04-02 to 2004-09-06
- Pal, Pratapaditya, Painted Poems: Rajput Paintings from the Ramesh and Urmil Kapoor Collection, 2004, no. 45 pp. 100-101
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