Radha escorted to the waiting Krishna

Kishangarh means “fort of Krishna.” This school lasted from 1720-1850 and centres round the artist Nahil Chand, who worked for Raja Savant Singh (1748-64). Nahil Chand developed a beautiful style of painting for stories about the lovers Krishna and Radha who are usually seen as small figures in a geometric lattice-work building which gives an air of mystery and privacy. The pictures show an idealised court life, mannered and rather stiff. From 1757-70 some paintings were very large, especially those worked on cloth.

This has many of the typical Kishangarh School features described above and shows great attention to detail. The perspective from a high vantage point (a window overlooking the courtyard?) is intended to give an air of intrigue, as though the observer is looking in on a private tryst. The subdued, evening light adds to the air of mystery. It shows the waiting Krishna seated on a low raised seat which has been placed on a carpet with cushions; wine and cups are ready on a table nearby. The demure Radha is accompanied by an old woman, and a younger servant carrying a paan box.

Description taken from the ‘Art From The Indian Sub-Continent In The Sainsbury Centre’ catalogue by Margaret A. Willey (Sainsbury Centre, UEA, 1995).