Vishnu
Culture
Southern Indian
Date19th Century
Mediumbronze
Dimensions20 x 10.3 x 6 cm (7 7/8 x 4 1/16 x 2 3/8 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Yankauer
Object number1985.337
Label Text2005-02-26: Vishnu
19th century
Bronze
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Yankauer, 1985.337
As the third member of the Hindu trinity, Vishnu sustains the universe, which Brahma creates and Shiva destroys periodically. This icon may have been accompanied by figures representing Vishnu's spouses, Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity (right), and Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess (left).
This image represents Vishnu's most popular form in Southern India. Vishnu's regal nature is emphasized by his tall jeweled crown (kiritamukuta) and by his firm and columnar posture (samapada), a posture which refers to Vishnu's cosmic nature, connecting heaven and earth. Vishnu holds three attributes to symbolize his wide-reaching powers, the flaming wheel (chakra; upper right arm), a conch shell (shankha; upper left hand) and a mace (gada; lower left hand). The lower right hand is raised in the abhaya mudra, bestowing blessings, protection and reassurance. Notes:Evoking Rasa in Luminous Visions: Indian Art from the Chester and Davida Herwitz CollectionProvenanceDr. and Mrs. Alfred Yankauer, Amherst, MAOn View
Not on view
