This scene portrays the love between Lord Krishna, also fondly called Madhav, and Radha. Radha is seen as equal to Krishna, the other half of his soul. The scene also conveys a deeper meaning. It portrays the feminine nature in a man, with hips that are heavily curved and the masculine traits in a woman with arms and feet open, very unorthodox for its time. This painting is a divine portrayal of gender fluidity. That tenderness and nurturing is not just a feminine trait, but can be displayed by both genders, is a dramatic tinge in the underlying theme of Ravi Varma’s artworks.

Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was a prolific Indian artist who is recognized for his academic realistic style of painting. His paintings on Hindu religious and mythological subjects were highly sought after even during his lifetime. Many of Ravi Varma's paintings were printed as chromolithographs. They would have a tremendous impact on religion & society

My tribute recreates this iconic moment in 8bit pixels!