Krishna and Radha under a Tree in a Storm

ca. 1790-early 19th century

This painting depicts the Hindu god Krishna sitting beneath a tree while his beloved, Radha, runs to join him, seeking shelter from an impending storm. The storm is emblematic of passion—dark and dangerous, yet bringing new life. The union of the lovers is echoed in the intertwining of vines with flowering creepers. Krishna’s love affair with Radha is used as an analogy for the relationship between God and devotee: deeply satisfying but not without its challenges. Here, Radha turns to Krishna for comfort in much the same way a devotee would turn to God.