VENU GOPAL

Though Krishna is largely a Central, Western and North Indian deity, He is as popular in the south as He is in the north. His stories have captured the hearts of all ages throughout the country. And His portrayal in art whether it in bronzes or paintings or stone sculptures, is as enticing throughout the country.
The one common understanding of Krishna is that He was a flautist par excellence. His flute known as Saumohini, is likened to the human body with eight openings and His playing the flute is likened to the Divine blowing the breath of life or Prana in the human body.
The influence of the music of Krishna’s flute on the cows of Brindavan and the people was magical. The cows gave twice as much milk when he played the flute and the women folk were drawn to its haunting melody as though hypnotized.

In this exquisite bronze, Krishna is shown playing the flute in an unusual pose known as the Tribhanga, where the body is bent in three angels. His graceful figure stands in a perfectly balanced symmetry where as His divine face reflects only a hint of a smile, making us wonder what is it that He knows and we do not?

All the classical features are in place like the peacock feathers and ornamentation. And the tuff of His hair is given a rather informal treatment, making this unique bronze very enticing indeed.