Yasoda Taking the Infant Krishna for a Walk - Kalighat School

A traditional Kalighat painting depicting Yasoda and the infant Krishna, characterised by fluid lines and bold, simplified forms.

This work originates from the Kalighat school of painting, a style that emerged in the nineteenth century near the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata. These paintings were produced by itinerant artists known as patuas, who created accessible imagery for pilgrims and visitors to the city. The style is defined by bold, sweeping brushstrokes, simplified forms, and a deliberate lack of complex perspective, which allowed for rapid production to meet high demand.

The subject depicts Yasoda, the foster mother of Krishna, holding the hand of the infant deity. Krishna is rendered in his traditional green hue, while Yasoda is shown in a white sari with a black border, carrying a pot. The figures are characterised by their rounded, fluid outlines and expressive, almond-shaped eyes. The artist employs a minimal palette, focusing on the contrast between the figures and the pale blue background. The drapery of the sari is suggested through economical, rhythmic lines that convey movement and volume without the need for heavy shading.

Kalighat paintings often blended traditional religious iconography with contemporary observations of social life in colonial India. This particular piece focuses on a domestic, devotional scene, capturing a moment of maternal care. The composition is balanced and direct, reflecting the aesthetic priorities of the patuas who sought to communicate narratives clearly and effectively. The use of watercolour on paper was standard for this medium, often utilising locally sourced pigments. This print captures the specific charm of the original, preserving the fluid line work and the distinctive character of the Kalighat tradition, which remains a significant chapter in the history of Indian folk art.