Tantric Painting of Garuda

Currently not on view

Tantric Painting of Garuda

19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Garuda, the mythical bird depicted here, is the vehicle of the god Vishnu. Images of various goddesses appear on his human torso, bird legs, and wings. This painting may have been part of a set relating to the Hindu religious tradition known as Tantra. It would have been used to support meditation by tantric practitioners seeking to attain superior knowledge of the divine through secret magical practices.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Tantric Painting of Garuda

Date:

19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 12 1/2 × 7 15/16 inches (31.8 × 20.2 cm) Sheet: 12 7/8 × 8 1/4 inches (32.7 × 21 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-415

Geography:

Made in Gujarat, India, Asia

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Currently not on view