Beschreibung:

Jamini Roy (1887-1972)Untitled (Krishna, Balarama and three cows)
signed 'Jamini Roy' in Bengali lower right
gouache on paper, framed
37.8 x 79.1cm (14 7/8 x 31 1/8in).FootnotesProvenance
Property from a private collection, UK.
Acquired from Bangladesh in the 1950s by an American Diplomat;
Thence by descent.
In 'Untitled (Krishna, Balarama and Three Cows),' Roy's artistry shines brightly as he explores themes of spirituality, rural life, and the sacred bond between humans and animals. Krishna and Balarama were brothers and Balarama was an avatar of Adi Shesha, the Divine Serpent on which Lord Vishu resides in the Vaikuntha.
To the right of the composition stand Krishna and Balarama, the embodiment of divinity and innocence and to the left we have the three cows—an iconography deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. Krishna, the divine cowherd is depicted in blue, wearing a garland of flowers and is holding a flute, symbolizing his role as the divine musician and lover, whilst Balarama is light skinned, is wearing a garland of flowers and holding a shankha (conch shell). The three cows are likely the surabhi cows, Krishna's favourite. Their depiction in three distinct colours adds depth to the composition whilst making each one stand out. They echo the simplified features of the folk art aesthetic that characterises the entire painting. Roy's success in this work therefore lays in his ability to celebrate the cultural heritage of India achieved through his unique aesthetic of marrying traditional folk art with a modern sensibility.