The Death of the Demoness Putana: Folio from a Bhagavata Purana Series

The Death of the Demoness Putana: Folio from a Bhagavata Purana Series

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This painting depicts a famous scene from the many childhood exploits of Krishna, a much-loved avatar of Vishnu. The infant Krishna, while in the protective care of pastoral foster parents, encountered numerous dangers sent by the evil king Kamsa. In this scene, a demon, disguised as a wet nurse, is sent to kill Krishna with her poisonous milk. Krishna discovers her intention and suckles her until she expires. Krishna’s half-brother Balarama and their mothers look on in astonishment. This is one of many stories that portray Krishna as the destroyer of evil.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Death of the Demoness Putana: Folio from a Bhagavata Purana SeriesThe Death of the Demoness Putana: Folio from a Bhagavata Purana SeriesThe Death of the Demoness Putana: Folio from a Bhagavata Purana SeriesThe Death of the Demoness Putana: Folio from a Bhagavata Purana SeriesThe Death of the Demoness Putana: Folio from a Bhagavata Purana Series

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.