Divine Field Hockey (painting, recto; text, verso), folio from a manuscript

The recto side of this folio features a painting depicting Krishna, the eighth avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu who is worshipped as a deity in his own right, playing field hockey with a group of worshippers. A Shaivite ascetic, one who worships the god Shiva, lord of destruction, stands next to the blue-skinned Krishna. The ascetic’s identity is denoted by his long beard, patched dress, and topknot. A pastoral scene at the upper right features a female figure; Krishna’s eldest brother, Balarama; and a group of cows. Rajput Style, Mewar School.