The painting is one of 14 such works—known as pichwais —in “Delighting Krishna: Paintings of the Child-God,” on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art through August 24.

Hindu mythology abounds with animals imbued with divine purpose. Serving as vahanas for gods, they symbolize divine attributes, like Nandi's strength and Garuda's bravery. Animals, gods, and ...