The Adoration of Cosmic Vishnu

Currently not on view

The Adoration of Cosmic Vishnu

c. 1710-1725

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

A perfect circle defines the cosmic ocean of ultimate reality. Isolated within it, the four armed god Vishnu rests on the many headed snake Ananta (Endless), while his devoted wife, Lakshmi, massages his foot. Outside the circle, deities including Shiva, Brahma, Indra, and Vishnu himself, pay homage. This dual representation portrays both ever-present reality and the periodically created and recreated world in which we live.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Adoration of Cosmic Vishnu
Probably a replacement page for a dispersed series of the Bhagavata Purana

Date:

c. 1710-1725

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Sheet: 5 13/16 × 9 13/16 inches (14.8 × 24.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

125th Anniversary Acquisition. Alvin O. Bellak Collection, 2001

Accession Number:

2001-43-3

Geography:

Made in Mankot, Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia

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Currently not on view