Krishna Stealing the Clothes of Gopis, anonymous, c. 1780

Krishna Stealing the Clothes of Gopis, anonymous, c. 1780

bodycolour, gold, h 333mm × w 209mm More details

Often loving and playful, the young cowherd is a cherished form of Krishna. In the centre of this bathing scene, a nude gopi (cowherd woman) conceals herself behind the tree. Four women with veils hastily wrapped around their bodies gesture imploringly towards Krishna. Krishna plays his flute in the treetop where the stolen garments sway in the wind.