Shiva c. late 10th century

sculpture

3d sculpting

sculpture

3d character model

sculptural image

possibly oil pastel

unrealistic statue

sculpting

underpainting

sculpture

charcoal

statue

This sandstone sculpture, dating back to the late 10th century, depicts Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and creation. Standing in a graceful pose, Shiva is adorned with intricate jewelry and a crown, and he holds a symbolic axe in his right hand. Flanked by celestial beings, the artwork showcases the detailed craftsmanship of the anonymous artist. This piece is a fine example of the rich artistic traditions of India during the medieval period, and it serves as a testament to the enduring power of Hindu mythology.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Elegantly posed with jeweled festoons suspended from his belt, pendant ear ornaments, and an elaborately domed hair arrangement (jatamukata), Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration, is shown flanked by worshipful celestial couples. Shiva’s dynamic triple-bend pose, called tribhanga, is inextricably related to the prescribed motions of body, limbs, and hand gestures of classical Indian dance. While acutely aware of human anatomy, South Asian sculptors rarely indicated musculature, concerning themselves instead with the portrayal of a flawless, divine body. A sense of the divine is masterfully achieved through intensely idealized beauty that has no mundane human references. This statue is probably from the exterior wall of a temple dedicated to Shiva.