Vishnu with Lakshmi and Sarasvati by Anonymous

Vishnu with Lakshmi and Sarasvati c. 11th century

sculpture

muted colour palette

structure

stone

sculpture

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

sculpting

sculpture

vertical object

cut-out

statue

This 11th-century sculpture, carved from black schist, depicts the Hindu god Vishnu, standing on a lotus pedestal, flanked by Lakshmi and Sarasvati. Vishnu is represented in a calm and serene manner, with four arms, holding a conch, a discus, a lotus, and a mace. The sculpture is richly detailed and adorned with intricate carvings of deities, floral motifs, and geometric patterns. It is a testament to the artistic skill and craftsmanship of the period and a valuable example of Indian religious art.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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With regal assurance, the Hindu god Vishnu stands in the posture of perfect balance, atop a lotus and at the center of the universe. Vishnu is honored as the lord of preservation, and with his club and discus, maintains order over the totality of space and time. Here, he is flanked by the goddesses Laxmi, who signifies wealth, and Sarastavi, who plays a string instrument and embodies knowledge. These attributes garnered the deity great patronage among many ruling dynasties, as well as many households today. Here, Vishnu is shown with numerous attendants in a heavenly home. Roundels at the top of the sculpture depict his 10 earthly incarnations, which include popular personalities such as Rama and Krishna, who came to earth in times of trouble and vanquished it from evil.