Vishnu on Garuda 12th-13th century

bronze, sculpture

3d sculpting

stone

sculpture

jewelry design

bronze

3d character model

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

sculpture

structured

3d character modeling

statue

This bronze sculpture, dating back to the 12th-13th century, depicts Vishnu riding Garuda, the king of birds. Vishnu, the preserver god in Hinduism, is shown standing on Garuda's head, holding a conch shell and discus. The artwork showcases the intricate details typical of religious art from this period, with Garuda's feathered wings and Vishnu's ornate jewelry and clothing depicted in a realistic and elegant style. This small yet detailed piece was likely used for devotional purposes, embodying the power and importance of the deity within the Hindu tradition.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In Hinduism, Vishnu is the preserver and maintainer of the established order. Whereas Shiva is Lord of the Beginning and of the End, Vishnu is the deity who oversees the middle ground, avoids extremes, and maintains orthodoxy. The standard depiction of Vishnu is four-armed standing upright wearing a crown. He carries a conch shell, lotus, a club, and a discus. His vehicle is the bird Garuda depicted here in the usual form as part human, part bird.