Radha Krishna

Oleograph with appliqué and embellishments on paper

19.5 x 13.5 in (49.5 x 34.5 cm)

The work has a printed inscription on the lower right stating that the print was printed at the Ravi Varma Press, Malavli, Lonavala

The oleograph published by the Ravi Varma Press depicts Radha and Krishna. This is a depiction of a classic lovers' tiff. Put off by something that Krishna said or did, or perhaps didn't, Radha keeps her distance from him, unwilling to talk. The ever-smiling Krishna has the flute at hand, the melodious instrument which will surely sway Radha back into his company; he however, waits patiently as Radha's companion (sakhi) cajoles and tries to convince her to forgive and forget the incident. This work is particularly spectacular for its rich embellishments and appliqué work which was done primarily by women of the Chettiar community in Southern Tamil Nadu, in the early part of the 20th century.