Beeldhouwwerk van Mahesamurti in de grotten van Elefanta c. 1895 - 1915

This is a photograph by Clifton & Co of the Mahesamurti sculpture in the Elephanta Caves. The photograph captures the sculpture, hewn from basalt rock, which represents a profound synthesis of religious and philosophical ideas. The sculpture depicts the Hindu deity Shiva in three forms, each embodying different aspects of his nature: creation, preservation, and destruction. This synthesis speaks to the complex intersections of power, gender, and divinity. The central face, serene and meditative, embodies the balance of masculine and feminine principles within a single divine form. It challenges traditional representations by presenting a multi-faceted vision of divinity. The image evokes a sense of timelessness. The photograph serves not only as documentation, but invites reflection on the ways in which art embodies and shapes societal values, while also capturing deeply personal and emotional experiences.