An Illustration to the Bhagavata Purana: Krishna and Balarama battle Jarasandha

Acquired by the current owners 1963-66

Please note the correct estimate for this painting is $8,000 - 12,000. Also this lot was acquired by the current owners between 1963-1966. Color in catalogue slightly oversaturated. Wear and rubbing overall with creasing, possible water marks and losses to pigments at borders, as visible in catalogue illustration. Craquelure in upper right quadrant. Two cm tear to red border in lower right quadrant.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The dramatic illustration depicts a pitched battle between Krishna and Balarama and their archrival King Jarasandha of Magadha. According to the story related in the text, Jarasandha’s daughters were married to the brothers’ evil uncle Kamsa, king of Mathura, who was vanquished and killed by Krishna. In order to avenge his widowed daughters Jarasandha mounted numerous attacks against Mathura but was defeated each time.

Pictured here is a fierce clash between the two armies with slain animals, humans and severed limbs creating a river of blood in the foreground. At the center Balarama, clad in blue, leads the charge against Jarasandha, attacking and wounding his vassals and warriors and finally incapacitating the king by tying him up with a snake knot as seen on the lower right. In this episode Jarasandha escapes. He meets his final end at the hands of the Pandava Bhima later in the story.

For another dramatic battle scene from this series, see Sotheby’s New York, March 18, 2009, lot 57.