India, Rajasthan, lintel arch from a Vishnu temple, c. 12th century, greystone, with three four-armed male deities seated in columnar niches flanked by female attendants, the outer two each holding Vishnavite attributes, a warrior issuing from the mouth of a makara at either side, tiered canopies above; the central figure flanked by four figures of Vishnu on Garuda, H.14 x W.35-1/2 x D.5 in., mounted on metal stand.

Lintel with Vishnus and Celestial Musicians, 12th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
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The iconography of this stone lintel is based on the Matsyapurana, a text from the 1400s that describes the monarchical divinity Vishnu holding a club, a wheel, a lotus, and a conch shell. His two consorts stand on either side: Lakshmi carries a lotus and Sarasvati holds a stringed musical instrument. Vishnu’s vehicle, the winged Garuda, appears behind him. At the top, Vishnu’s 10 incarnations are carved in low relief.

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Details
Title
Lintel with Vishnus and Celestial Musicians
Role
Artist
Accession Number
96.54.2
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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India, Rajasthan, lintel arch from a Vishnu temple, c. 12th century, greystone, with three four-armed male deities seated in columnar niches flanked by female attendants, the outer two each holding Vishnavite attributes, a warrior issuing from the mouth of a makara at either side, tiered canopies above; the central figure flanked by four figures of Vishnu on Garuda, H.14 x W.35-1/2 x D.5 in., mounted on metal stand.