Krisha & Radha
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Object number20499
TitleKrisha & Radha
Creator Alex Gilfillan (maker)
DescriptionThis beautifully detailed stained-glass panel was made by the Scottish artist Alex Gilfillan in 1965. It illustrates two Hindu deities, Krishna and Radha, whose story has inspired so many works of art over the centuries.
Krishna is one of the most widely revered and popular of the gods. He performed miracles, slayed demons and was renowned in his youth as a lover. His favourite companion at that time was the beautiful gopi (milkmaid) Radha, who is worshipped as the goddess of love, compassion and devotion.
It is a common feature of Hinduism to worship a pair of personalities as one God. With Radha Krishna, the two have come together as the God of love and compassion.
Here we see Krishna playing his flute, which legend says caused women to flock to him to dance. The beautiful Radha gazes up at him, entranced by her true love. In the foreground is a stately peacock, one of the sacred birds of Hindu mythology. Peacocks symbolise grace and beauty, a sign of joy for those who see them. Krishna is usually depicted wearing one of their feathers in his crown.
Alex Gilfillan was a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, where he was taught by well-known Edinburgh School artist William Gillies. Gilfillan’s interest in Indian culture influenced his work. Indeed, he created this design as a tribute to the Indian artist Jamini Roy.
DescriptionStained Glass panel by Alex Gilfillan made in 1965. Images are the working drawing from a photograph by Michael Donnelly
Production date 1965
Object namestained glass panel
MaterialGlass
TechniqueStained Glass
Dimensions