Krishna and Balarama Touching the Feet of Vasudeva and Devaki

1700–1725

Krishna and Balarama Touching the Feet of Vasudeva and Devaki, 1700–1725. Northern India, Himachal Pradesh, Pahari Kingdom of Chamba. Gum tempera, gold and silver on paper; page: 28.5 x 21.6 cm (11 1/4 x 8 1/2 in.); image: 24.3 x 16.5 cm (9 9/16 x 6 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.85 In front of a massive white architectural facade, Krishna and Balarama offer veneration to their parents. Krishna kneels in the position of supplication, humbly reaching out to touch the foot of his father, Vasudeva. Balarama stands behind his older brother, exhibiting reverence by clasping his hands. Their mother extends her arm toward Krishna and Balarama to recognize her sons’ gestures. Krishna and Balarama wear a ring of bells on each foot.