Krishna attempts to placate his annoyed beloved Radha

An inscription on the back tells the subject of this painting: “The Lord is placating the cross Radha.” The lord referred to is the great Hindu deity Krishna, and Radha is his mortal beloved. Radha often feels angered by Krishna’s flirting and lovemaking with other young women. He uses every means to assure her of his love and soothe her hurt feelings. For example, a twelfth-century poet has Radha say,
Dark Krishna . . .
How can you deceive a faithful creature tortured by fevers of Love?
Damn you, Keshava! [Krishna] . . .
Don’t plead your lies with me!

Later Krishna responds, as he might be doing in this painting,
Your useless silence tortures me, frail Radha.
Sing sweet lyrics in the mode of love!
Tender girl, destroy my pain with your eyes!
Beautiful Radha, don’t be indifferent!
Don’t elude me! I am deeply devoted to you.
Lovely fool, I am here as your lover.

From Jayadeva, Love Song of the Dark Lord: Jayadeva’s
Gitagovinda, ed. and trans. Barbara Stoler Miller