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12. Vishnu Bhogsthankamurti India, Tamil Nadu Chola 12th c. granite height 141 cm. |
Vishnu is an embodiment of ‘Supreme Reality’ and is known as the Lord of Protection. He represents stability and order and can be identified by the emblems he carries, the discus, and the conch. The discus is a weapon, signifying his power to destroy evil. The conch shell is blown like a trumpet during many sacred rituals and is considered to make the purest sound, from which creation springs. In Vishnu’s hand the conch symbolizes purity and auspiciousness. Vishnu is believed to have reincarnated on earth from time to time, to destroy the evil in the world. Ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu are accordingly described in Hindu mythology. These incarnations reveal the help rendered by the god during various stages of human evolution. The Lord of Protection is depicted here in a typical standing posture on a lotus base. The lotus represents fertility and regeneration, the nourishment of the soul that occurs through devotion to this deity. Across his torso Vishnu wears a sacred Brahmanical cord, yajnopavita. Around his waist is an udarabandha, which reinforces the impression of restrained power in his chest and broad shoulders. In his raised hands are the shell and discus. His front right hand makes the gesture of abhayamudra, the pose of protection and the blessing of fearlessness, while his lower left hand rests on his hip. The karandamukuta is made up of three large diadems and braids of hair gathered up into a high chignon. The god is adorned with flowers behind his ears, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, finger-rings, strings of pearls and ornaments. In each ear is a makarakundala in the shape of a water monster’s head; a kirtimukha, a mythical tutelary creature graces the centre of his girdle, and a triangular shrivatsa is depicted above his right nipple. This image of Vishnu is a fine classic example of the Chola style in Tamil Nadu, South India. The Cholas were one of the greatest and most gifted of the dynasties to rule India, which they did for a continuous period of about 430 years. Typically for stone sculpture of this period the work is carved in granite, which lends it a feeling of immortality. As it was intended to be viewed frontally the back remains unfinished. Among the stylistic characteristics are the shape of the mukuta, the necklace, bracelets and ornamentation. The pronounced features and the hairstyle, with locks curling onto the shoulders, are likewise typical elements of the Chola period. The Chola schools of art are among the highlights of Indian civilization, and Chola artists are renowned for depicting their gods with great skills and lively expression. This monumental stone Vishnu is a convincing and assured reflection of the Chola stylistic tradition. The upright rock-like stance contrasts beautifully with the movement of the arms, sacred cords and ornaments. The fine facial features enhance the god’s majestic expression, and render its iconographic meaning as ‘Lord of Protection’ in a most accomplished way. Art Loss Register Certificate, Reference S00003911. M. Cunningham, R. Michael, S. Czuma, A. E. Wardwell and K. Wilson, Masterworks of Asian Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, 1998, p.145, South India, Vaishnava Trinity (Shri Devi, Vishnu, Bhumi Devi), Chola period, first half of the 10th century, height 175,9 cm. P. Pal, Asian art at the Norton Simon Museum: art from the Indian Subcontinent, Norton Simon Museum, vol. I, Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 2003, p.218-219, pl. 166 c-d, India, Tamil Nadu, Vishnu, Chola, 10th century, height 179,1 cm, F.1972.31.4.S and India, Tamil Nadu, Vishnu, mid-13th century, height 120,7 cm, N.1975.10.1.S. http://www.chrysler.org/wom/wom0701.asp: India, Vishnu, Chola, 11th-12th century, The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia. |