Krishna Subduing Kāliya, Chromolithograph

Depicting the episode of Kāliya Mardan, this chromolithograph shows Krishna subduing the serpent Kāliya in the waters of the Yamuna. Krishna is presented crowned and flute-bearing, standing upon the multi-hooded serpent, while the Nāginīs appear in attitudes of supplication. The composition is set within a pastoral landscape animated by riverine detail, temple architecture and distant hills. Produced by the Raja Ravi Varma Press in the early twentieth century, the work exemplifies the press’s distinctive synthesis of academic figuration and decorative colour, developed for mass dissemination through chromolithography. The strong palette, finely articulated outlines and balanced narrative composition are characteristic of the press’s mythological subjects, which played a significant role in shaping popular visual culture in India. The print is preserved in its original period frame. Condition: Light surface wear, minor foxing and toning, with slight colour softening and marginal edge wear, all consistent with age; frame shows commensurate wear.