Skip to Main Content

Vishnu

800s
schist
Overall: 43.8 cm (17 1/4 in.)
The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 1980.194
Location: not on view
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

The dark stone was highly polished and once gleamed like bronze.

Description

The axial stance and somber expression visually amplify the powerful nature of this four-armed Hindu god. The crown and fine textiles communicate his regal qualities. In his upper left hand, a conch shell signals the start of battle or the sound of OM at the opening of a mantra recited to quell inner demons. Vishnu’s followers glorify his ability to destroy demonic forces that bring imbalance and disorder, both throughout the world and within oneself.
Vishnu

Vishnu

800s

Nepal

See Also

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.