Krishna-Lel 1935

Nicholas Roerich painted 'Krishna-Lel' using tempera on cardboard. Here, we observe Krishna, the Hindu deity, playing his flute, which in Indian tradition symbolizes divine love and enchantment. This musical motif is powerful; think back to Orpheus in Greek mythology, whose lyre charmed even wild beasts. The flute’s enchanting music mirrors the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Here, in Roerich’s painting, Krishna's flute weaves a bridge between the earthly and the divine. Consider how such imagery is imprinted upon our collective memory. It’s fascinating to trace how the symbolism of music—a universal language—reappears across cultures and eras, from ancient myths to modern art. Each telling is a resurgence, reflecting humanity's perennial quest for harmony and connection with the transcendent.