Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva. Dieng Plateau , Wonosobo district , Central Java province , 8th - 9th century Possibly 1864 - 1867

This photograph taken by Isidore Kinsbergen between the 8th and 9th century captures 'Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva' from the Dieng Plateau in Central Java. The sculpture rendered in grayscale has a tactile quality through the rough texture of the stone which invites the viewer to touch and feel the artwork's inherent essence. Notice the composition. The Nandi bull rests peacefully, its robust form filling the frame. The artist’s choice to focus closely on the statue brings out the volume and weight of the subject, underlining its physical presence. This sculptural form can be interpreted as a signifier deeply rooted in Hindu cosmology. Nandi, as Shiva's mount, symbolizes strength, virility, and devotion. Through Kinsbergen’s lens, this artwork invites contemplation on the interplay between the material and the divine, offering insight into the cultural and religious context of its creation. It is a testament to how physical form embodies and conveys complex spiritual concepts.