Page 128 - Indian and Himalayan Art, March 15, 2017 Sotheby's NYC

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PROPERTY FROM THE LANIER COLLECTION
KRISHNA REVEALS A VISION OF NARAKA
TO ARJUNA: A FOLIO FROM THE
MAHABHARATA
India, Pahari, Garwhal, circa 1820-30
Opaque watercolor heightened with gold on paper
image: 5¾ by 9 in. (12.7 by 23 cm)
folio: 8½ by 11½ in. (20.3 by 28 cm)
PROVENANCE
Acquired circa 1986
In this extremely nely executed depiction, Krishna and Arjuna
sit on a green hillside deep in conversation. Krishna dressed in
a sa ron jama (robe) and golden crown, on a carpet against a
red gold- ecked bolster. Arjuna seated in deep respect, with
palms pressed and attentively listening - dressed in armor for
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battle, with his great bow slung over his shoulder. Krishna
reminds Arjuna that he has a choice, but with consequences.
His duty is to face battle whether desired or not.
Krishna holds one hand out before him with palm open - the
other hand held back with closed st. He presents Arjuna
with a fearsome vision of Naraka (Hell) reserved for those
who forsake their duty - to test his devotion. Shaivite rishis
and sages meditate near their hermitages. The four chariot
horses of Krishna stand ready to depart with them for battle.
Against a serene bright blue sky, as white pu s of clouds pass
above. The painting executed with great clarity, depicting an
iconographically complex subject.
With black inner margins with mauve/pink outer borders with
purple ruled lines.
$ 6,000-8,000