Sri Venugopala

This is a dressed/embellished oleograph of Sri Venugopala (Krishna) by the artist C G Ramanujam. The oleograph depicts Krishna, the god of compassion, tenderness, and love; and one of the most popular and widely revered among Indian divinities. The Sanskrit word Venu means ‘flute’ and gopala means ‘cow protector’ and also ‘protector of the world’. On either side of Krishna are Radha and Rukmini in decorated saris, with one of them offering a garland while the other holds a lotus. Krishna holds the flute in his elegant hands and his hair is tied in the characteristic topknot and decorated with a headpiece. A cow has wrapped himself around Krishna’s legs, and is licking his left foot, and two calves gaze up at him. Above him is a tree where even the birds seem to be enchanted by Krishna’s music. This oleograph has been beautifully decorated by the original owner with fabric and sequins.  
C G Ramanujam was one of the well-known artists who worked for the Ravi Varma Press. Ramanujam's portrayals of the deities and mythological subjects were heavily influenced by the Tanjore style of painting. The traditional attire, the jewellery and other elements also give a clear indication of the artist's roots in South India.