Vishnu
Artist
Unknown
CultureIndian
Date11th-12th century
MediumStone
Dimensions66 x 27 x 12 1/2 in. (167.6 x 68.6 x 31.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.313
On View
Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 107
Label TextVishnu
Indian, Chola Period, 1000–1200 C.E.
Stone
Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.313
The Hindu god Vishnu uses multiple aspects of his personality to protect and preserve the universe. This sculpture depicts his different features at once. As a divine king, his lower hands advocate peace—the hand on his hip demonstrates royal ease and the other hand (now missing) would offer a gesture of assurance. But as a fierce soldier, Vishnu’s upper hands wield tools of war—the conch shell trumpet calls forth his armies and the discus strikes down his enemies.
Exhibition History"Work of the Month," Chrysler Museum of Art, Sponsored by the Education Department, July 2001.