Vishnu

late 400s CE
Overall: 85.4 cm (33 5/8 in.)
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Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

Strings of jewels spew from the mouth of the leonine face (kirtimukha) in the center of the crown: a mark of glory.

Description

This sculpture of the Hindu god Vishnu once had four arms, indicating his superhuman power. The smooth contours of the body and placid expression betoken a new vision for images of divinities in South Asia, characterized by restrained elegance. The scarf tied loosely around his hips curves gracefully under its own weight, emphasizing his passive immobility, since it would come undone if he were to move.
Vishnu

Vishnu

late 400s CE

Central India, Gupta Period, 5th Century

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