Ganesha
Unknown Artist
ca. 1700–1750
Medium
Wood with cloth and polychrome
Dimensions
H. (on stand) 34 1/4 in. (87 cm); W. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); D. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture
Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift and The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Fund, 2015
Accession Number
2015.255.5a–c
Tags
Art Historical Context
This vibrant wooden sculpture of Ganesha the beloved elephant-headed Hindu deity and remover of obstacles, hails from southern India, likely the Thanjavur district of Nadu, around 1700–1750. Standing over 34 inches tall on its custom base, the figure captures Ganesha in a dynamic seated pose, embodying prosperity and wisdom. Revered as the lord of beginnings and patron of arts and intellect, such sculptures were central to temple rituals and festivals, invoking divine blessings for devotees. Crafted during the Nayak or early Maratha period in Thanjavur—a renowned hub of South Indian artistry—...