Krishna and Radha beneath Tree in Garden, North India c. 1880-1900, Painted on Reused Manuscript Leaf Anonymous

Artistic Context & Overview This late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature depicts Krishna and Radha in an intimate embrace beneath a tree, set against a moonlit garden landscape with palace architecture in the background. The composition reflects Provincial Mughal and Rajput painting traditions, with expressive faces and careful botanical detailing. Visual/Technical Description Opaque watercolor and gold on a recycled manuscript leaf. Krishna, blue-skinned and crowned, sits beside Radha in a pink-bordered sari. They recline beneath a large tree, with a moon, palace, and flowing stream in the distance. The foreground is richly ornamented with florals; border features gold foliate motifs. Material/Manuscript Context Painted on reused Persian/Urdu manuscript paper (Nastaliq poetic verse at top and bottom of recto). The reverse is filled with Devanagari (Hindi/Sanskrit) columns of calculations and accounting notes, typical of late 19th-century ledger use. No narrative or poetic text on reverse; no date or full names visible. Condition (Summary) Front: strong paint and gold, minor edge/corner wear, no pigment loss. Reverse: manuscript with minor toning, no repairs. Provenance / Significance Created for the regional market, likely Lucknow or Jaipur, c. 1880-1900. Hybrid manuscript/painting format is valued by collectors; manuscript reuse reflects North Indian cultural practices. No artist signature; poetry typical of romantic miniatures. Translation & Analysis (front and reverse) Front (Nastaliq poetic couplets, sample translation): Top: 1. The beauty of the beloved brings spring to the garden of the heart. 2. In union, longing turns to joy beneath the moonlight. 3. Each glance awakens the spirit of love anew. 4. Let the night bear witness to our embrace. Bottom: 1. The heart's pain is healed by the beloved's gaze. 2. The cup of longing is full-let us drink together. 3. May this moment last forever, with sorrow left behind. 4. Only in love does the world truly bloom. Reverse (Devanagari): Columns of numerals, calculations, and ledger marks-no names or dates; used as accounting or inventory, not literary text. Conclusion A beautifully preserved late 19th-century Indo-Persian miniature of Krishna and Radha, painted on a reused manuscript leaf. Rich in color, poetry, and hybrid manuscript context; valued by collectors for its artistry and history. Value $950.