Krishna Steals the Clothes of the Cowgirls (Gopis) (recto), from a Kalighat albumc. 1890 · Study 2003.114.a

Context from the museum

In this image taken from both popular accounts and the Bhagavata Purana , Krishna has stolen the clothes of cowgirls ( gopis ) who are bathing in the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges River. He refuses to return their clothes, the purple saris seen hanging high in the tree, until they come out and bow to him with folded palms. Krishna, a cowherder, is holding a flute, which he uses to lure them away.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected painting only measurement for Krishna Steals the Clothes of the Cowgirls (Gopis) (recto), from a Kalighat album is 28 cm wide and 45.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 11.0 × 17.9 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.62:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.13 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 9.3% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 136.0 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Krishna Steals the Clothes of the Cowgirls (Gopis) (recto), from a Kalighat album in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 28 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?