Krishna Shishtai - 03

This is an oleograph of "Krishna Shishtai" by Raja Ravi Varma. In the Mahabharata, before the battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas began, Krishna made one last attempt to stop the war from taking place. He visited Hastinapur upon the request of Yudhishthira (the eldest son of King Pandu), to talk to the Kauravas and explain the futility of war. When he reached the court of the Kauravas as an envoy, their king, Duryodhana, treated Krishna with contempt, and his men attempted to take Krishna captive. An ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, Satyaki, whipped out his sword in the Lord's defence. Krishna immediately put out his hand to stop Satyaki. He then proceeded to reveal his Vishwaroopam, or divinity, to everyone present in the court. This scene is one of the most important moments in Mahabharata, captured beautifully by Raja Ravi Varma.
The signature of Ravi Varma is on the bottom left, along with year 1906. There is fading of colour due to passage of time, but the artwork is in very good condition otherwise.