Vishnu with Lakshmi and Sarasvati c. 11th century

This sculpture of Vishnu with Lakshmi and Sarasvati was carved from stone by an anonymous artist. The stele, likely made for a temple, shows considerable skill in the handling of a very unforgiving material. The smooth dark stone has been carefully worked to depict the deities. Vishnu, in the center, holds a club and a lotus, while Lakshmi and Sarasvati stand to either side. The high relief gives a sense of depth and three-dimensionality to the figures, while the intricate details, especially in the figures' jewelry, would have required great precision. The stone, with its inherent qualities of weight and permanence, suggests the enduring nature of faith. Considering this work, it’s important to remember the intense labor required to extract, carve, and transport a piece of stone like this, and the social context of artistic production in the culture that produced it. Understanding materials, making, and context helps us see beyond traditional notions of fine art and craft.