A painting from the Bhagavata Purana: Battle between Banasura and Krishna

A painting from the Bhagavata Purana: Battle between Banasura and Krishna

Depicting a city encircled in flames at left as the defeated retreat, while a battle between multi-armed Banasura and blue-skinned Krishna astride Garuda continues at center, slain warriors at their feet and the victorious army at right, in red borders with an inscription at bottom
Opaque pigments on wasli  13½ x 20¼ in. (34.2 x 51.4 cm.), painting
15 x 21¾ in. (38 x 55.2 cm.), folio

Details

  • Title : A painting from the Bhagavata Purana: Battle between Banasura and Krishna
  • Year : circa 1775
  • Classification : Painting
  • Medium : Opaque pigments on wasli
  • Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
  • Collection : Christies
  • LOT : 199
  • Lot Essay : The present painting continues the battle that began in the previous lot. Seeing his army defeated, Banasura attacks Krishna, who in turn kills his horse and charioteer. Enraged, Banasura wields all manner of weapons in his thousand arms, which Krishna proceeds to sever using his chakra. When Banasura is down to just four arms, Shiva appears and asks Krishna for mercy on behalf of Banasura. Krishna acquiesces and, assured of safety, Banasura offers his obeisance to Krishna and returns his grandson.
  • Price realised : USD 16,250
  • Estimate : USD 7,000 - USD 9,000