Sita Devi was an Indian artist, specializing in painting in the Madhubani tradition. She is one of the most well-known Madhubani artists from India and was one of the first to receive national recognition for her work.  

Her colorful paintings of elegant, elongated gods and goddesses surrounded by lush vegetation were done with natural pigments.  Sent to represent India in cultural festivals in Europe and the United States, Sita Devi’s success and distinctive style became an inspiration for many other women. 

This painting depicts the Hindu God Krishna flanked by two of his adoring gopis (milkmaids) fanning him as he plays his flute. This instrument identifies him as Krishna, along with his dark skin, his yellow dhoti (draped lower garment) and his mount — a peacock with a snake in its beak.