Indian and Himalayan Art Sudama's Journey to Krishna's Palace c. 1800-1820 Artist/maker unknown, India Opaque watercolor with gold on paper Currently not on view 1994-148-489 Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994 |
LabelReduced to extreme poverty, Sudaman was sent by his wife to seek the help of Lord Krishna. Sudaman went to the god's palace and, overwhelmed with the joy of meeting Krishna, left without asking for aid. Upon returning home, he found his hut transformed into a wonderful mansion. This painting beautifully portrays Sudaman's journey. He appears in the foreground wearing ragged clothes and carrying a walking stick, engaged in the long trip to see Lord Krishna. His goal—Krishna's golden palace—appears high on the hill, a metaphor for the spiritual journey that every Hindu devotee must undertake to be close to God. |
