Sri Nathajic. 1900 · Study 2001.162

Context from the museum

This painted depiction of the black stone sculpture regarded by followers of the Pushti Marg sect as Shri Nathji, a living embodiment of Krishna, includes all the elements carved into the monolithic stele behind the figure. Snakes, beasts, and yogis occupy a wild, rocky landscape. Priests have dressed the figure in light garments, indicative of a hot season, and applied a turban, jewelry, and eyes, which look down upon devotees who would be worshiping at his feet. This painting probably stood on a domestic shrine for daily devotions and served as a memento of a pilgrimage to Nathdwara.

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

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for Sri Nathaji is 17.2 cm wide and 24.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 6.8 × 9.6 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.70:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.04 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 5.7% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 141.4 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 Sri Nathaji in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera on paper, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 17.2 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?