Krishna Idolised

Description

Gift of the Horst Metzger Collection to the Museum Rietberg in Zurich.

Historical context

This exquisite folio hails from the legendary Guler Gitagovinda series, envisioned by the master painter Manaku in the hills of Northern India. The artwork breathes life into Jayadeva's sublime poetry, capturing the boundless devotion and divine play of Lord Krishna. On a vibrant field of golden yellow, the blue skinned deity multiplies in presence, dancing with ecstatic grace while adoring gopis surround him with music and worship. Manaku’s delicate brushwork and profound spiritual warmth transform pigment on paper into an intimate glimpse of celestial love, where every tree, bird, and figure resonates with eternal adoration.