Lead Standing Krishna

This lead sculpture demonstrates great craftsmanship in its attention to detail and interest in displaying a naturalistic figure. This image of Krishna is unique because the details are painted on, whereas many other depictions of Krishna are in metal form.

Krishna is a Hindu deity often regarded as the incarnation of Vishnu. According to ancient epics such as the Mahabharata, he was born of royal parents, the princess Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. Devaki’s brother had previously seized the throne unlawfully and deposed their father. A prophecy warned them that one of Devaki’s children would seek revenge for this unlawful act so he tried to obliterate them. Krishna escaped and was brought up by foster parents, Yasoda and Nanda in Gokul. Nanda was the head of a community of cow herders hence Krishna’s association with cows, butter and milkmaids. He became known as ‘Govinda’ (finder of cows) or ‘Gopala’ (protector of cows) and is often depicted leaning against a standing cow.