The Sringar of Srinathji on the occasion of the festival of Krishna or Radha’s birthday

Kota, circa 1835

Opaque pigments with gold on paper, red and yellow border with white rules

18.2 by 11.4 cm., 7 1/8 by 4 ½ in. painting

21.1 by 14.1 cm., 8 ¼ by 5 ½ in. folio

 

Provenance

Heil Collection, Berlin, pre-1991-2016

 

Srinathji is elaborately dressed for the sringar that was prescribed by Vitthalnathji for the festival of his own birthday, which takes place in the winter and hence Srinathji additionally wears trousers and boots.  Such costume is also worn on two other occasions during the liturgical year, for Krishna’s birthday and for Radha’s towards the end of the rainy season when boots are not needed.  Our painting then is of Srinathji dressed for Krishna’s or Radha’s birthday.