Nitai and Gaur

Description

Pictured are Gaur (the Golden One) and Nitai (he who embodies eternal bliss), Gaur’s disciple par excellence. Gaur, also known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is believed by his followers to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Nitai is believed to be an avatar of Balarama and, therefore, the brother and friend of Krishna. They are depicted here with hands raised, chanting a devotional song.

Provenance

William E. Ward [1922-2004], Solon, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?-2003); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (2003-)

Nitai and Gaur

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c. 1890

Accession Number

2003.154

Medium

Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper

Dimensions

Secondary Support: 50 x 29.6 cm (19 11/16 x 11 5/8 in.); Painting only: 45.4 x 27.8 cm (17 7/8 x 10 15/16 in.)

Classification

Painting

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward