Krishna Gopala - 02

This is a beautiful and unusual Thanjavur reverse glass painting of a young Gopala Krishna. Krishna is the god of compassion, tenderness, and love; and is one of the most popular and widely revered among Indian divinities. The Sanskrit word gopala means ‘cow protector’ and also ‘protector of the world’. Krishna stands holding the tether of the cow behind him in one hand, and unusually, a conch in the other. He is bounteously adorned with jewellery including multiple jewel necklaces, armbands, bangles and anklets. His hair is tied in the characteristic topknot and decorated with a headpiece. On either side are white columns that culminate in a rich foliate arch above him, set against a deep brownish background.