18th century

Vision of the Newborn Krishna as the God Vishnu

This painting integrates image and word to create a devotional icon. The upper scene shows the moment when the newborn Krishna reveals himself to his parents as an earthly incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, as evidenced by the child having four rather than two arms. Below, palace guards have been cast into a magical sleep, for the baby is threatened with death and will be smuggled out of the palace that very night. The artist first sketched the figures, then filled in the bodies, furnishings, architecture, and borders with the word "Bhagavan," which means god but here refers to Vishnu in particular. Repeatedly writing the name of god not only completed the devotional image, but also served as an act of devotion in itself.