Vishnu

first half of the 9th century

Not on view

The Pallavas, centered at their imperial capital of Kanchipuram, were the most powerful clan to rule southern India from the third century until their defeat by the Cholas in 897. This image of Vishnu displaying the symbols of his authority as a divine monarch likely belongs to their last phase of stability, during the reigns of the kings Dantivarman and Nandivarman. Notably, icons of this scale mark the beginnings of the tradition of processional icons in south Indian worship.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Vishnu
Period: Pallava period
Date: first half of the 9th century
Culture: South India (Tamil Nadu)
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); D. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation, Cynthia Hazen Polsky, Jeff Soref, Vijay K. Anand, M.D., Nanda Anand, Maya Anand, and Rohit Anand, and Edward and Catharine LaPuma Gifts, Director's Fund, and Tommy Yang Guo Gift, in honor of John Guy, 2015
Object Number: 2015.147
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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