COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
MMA_.68.46
AMICA Library Year:
2002
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Description:
This elaborate stela of the god Vishnu shows him at the center holding his usual attributes (clockwise from upper right): a chakra (war discus), a conch-shell trumpet, and a gada (mace). His raised hand is held in abhayamudra, or the fear-allaying gesture. He wears a tall miter and a long garland of flowers. His head is surrounded by an ornate nimbus with bands of lotus petals, flames, and abstracted triangular floral motifs. Flanking his legs are six figures: the personifications of his discus and conch trumpet (who also hold these attributes), his two wives, and two additional attendants. On each side above them are two vertical panels. The innermost contains foliate scrolling and a pot from which plant life emanates. The left panel is topped by a figure of Brahma seated on a lotus and the right by Shiva in a similar attitude. Brahma can be identified by his four heads (three of which are shown) and Shiva by the trident and chakra he holds. The outermost panels show the typical pile-up of elephants surmounted by composite lion-goats (vyalis) and elephant-crocodiles (makaras).
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Indian Sub-Continent; Indian; Punjabi
Creator Dates/Places:
India, Punjab
Creator Name-CRT:
India, Punjab
Title:
Stela with a four-armed Vishnu
View:
Principal view
Creation Date:
10th?11th century
Creation Start Date:
900
Creation End Date:
1099
Materials and Techniques:
Sandstone
Dimensions:
H. 43 1/2 in. (110.5 cm)
AMICA Contributor:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location:
New York, New York
ID Number:
68.46
Credit Line:
Rogers Fund, 1968
Copyright:
Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
Related Image Identifier Link:
MMA_.h1_68.46.tif
