Seated Vishnu
Asian Art
On View: Asian Galleries, Arts of South Asia, 2nd floor
Praying before an icon of a Hindu god is like having an audience with a king: the worshipper bows and brings praise and offerings in hope of finding favor. Seated images of Vishnu often invite comparison to an enthroned ruler: the god sits with one leg pendent, a pose associated in Indian culture with royalty and a state of casual ease. His posture, his smile, and the way that he leans slightly forward all suggest that he is happy to speak with the visitor. He holds the conch shell and discus (here shown in profile), which emit small flames, an indication of their great power.
MEDIUM
Granite
DATES
8th–9th century
DYNASTY
Pallava to Chola
PERIOD
Pallava Period to Early Chola Period
DIMENSIONS
60 x 29 x 12 in., 900 lb. (152.4 x 73.7 x 30.5 cm, 408.24kg) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Asian Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
86.133
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Alice Boney
PROVENANCE
Prior provenance not yet documented; 1958, reportedly purchased in India by Alice Boney of New York, NY; 1978, gift of Alice Boney to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Arts of South Asia, 2nd floor
CAPTION
Seated Vishnu, 8th–9th century. Granite, 60 x 29 x 12 in., 900 lb. (152.4 x 73.7 x 30.5 cm, 408.24kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Alice Boney, 86.133. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 86.133_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 86.133_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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