Rear View of Ganesha with the Face of a Monster by Isidore Kinsbergen

Rear View of Ganesha with the Face of a Monster Possibly 1867 - 1868

isidorekinsbergen's Profile Picture

isidorekinsbergen

# 

toned paper

# 

sculpture

# 

charcoal drawing

# 

sculptural image

# 

charcoal art

# 

unrealistic statue

# 

carved into stone

# 

carved

# 

charcoal

# 

statue

Isidore Kinsbergen's "Rear View of Ganesha with the Face of a Monster" (circa 1867-1868) is a striking photograph that captures a stone sculpture of the Hindu deity Ganesha, depicted from the rear with a monstrous face. Kinsbergen, a Dutch photographer, documented numerous sculptures and temples in Indonesia during the 19th century. This photograph showcases intricate details, including Ganesha's elaborate ornamentation, demonstrating the skill of the sculptor and the enduring religious significance of the deity in Indonesian culture.

Show more

Comments

rijksmuseum's Profile Picture
rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

Kinsbergen often photographed both the front and back of important sculptures in a scientific manner. Here the back of Ganesha’s head is protected by the growling face of a monster or kala. The inscription on the base is a dating in words, and probably places the sculpture in the year 1161 of the Shaka Era, or the year 1239 CE.

Join the conversation

Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.