Artwork Page for Shiva and Parvati

Details / Information for Shiva and Parvati

Shiva and Parvati

c. 950–60

South India, Tamil Nadu, Chola period

(900–1200s))
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Base: 21.6 x 79.5 x 24.9 cm (8 1/2 x 31 5/16 x 9 13/16 in.); Part 1: 81.9 x 48.7 cm (32 1/4 x 19 3/16 in.); Part 2: 65.1 x 16.5 cm (25 5/8 x 6 1/2 in.)
Weight: 39.236 kg (86.5 lbs.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1961.94
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
244 Indian and Southeast Asian
Print
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Did You Know?

The posts on the sides of the pedestal once supported a halo that surrounded both figures.

Description

Bronze sculptures made during the Chola period (800s–1200s) are among the most celebrated and popular art forms of the Indian tradition, and the 10th century marks their flourishing peak. The sensual renditions of attenuated, youthful, and athletic forms are barely covered by garments and ornaments that move, yet cling to the bodies. The figures stand with a natural ease, and the volumes have been so skillfully rendered by the artists that they appear to be capable of walking the earth. Their serene and smiling expressions are completely idealized, leaving no mistake that these are gods, not humans.
Black, bronze statue of Shiva and Parvati, a god and goddess standing next to each other on a rectangular pedestal with broad shoulders and narrow limbs, their hips swinging to their right. Shiva has four arms, two holding objects. Parvati is the height of Shiva's shoulder. Both are barely covered by fine strands of garments and jewelry and wear headdresses on their heads. They both raise a right hand, pointer finger and thumb touching.

Shiva and Parvati

c. 950–60

South India, Tamil Nadu, Chola period (900–1200s))

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