Karttikeya, Commander of the Divine Army, Seated on a Peacock
Unknown, Ganga Period, about 12th century
About this artwork
Behold the majestic *Karttikeya, Commander the Divine Army, Se on a Peacock*, a basalt sculpture from India's Ganga Period around the 12th century. This unknown artist's masterpiece captures the Hindu war god Karttikeya—son of Shiva and Parv—in a poised, regal seated posture atop his iconic mount, the peacock. Symbolizing victory and divine prowess, Karttikeya leads the celestial armies against evil, a motif deeply revered in Hindu mythology and temple worship. Carved during the Eastern Ganga dynasty's golden age in Odisha, this 1.5-meter-tall figure exemplifies the period's mastery of hard basalt stone. Artisans employed precise chiseling to render intricate details like flowing garments, jewelry, and the peacock's elaborate feathers, achieving a dynamic balance of volume and grace. The sculpture's frontal composition and stylized anatomy reflect the enduring conventions of Indian temple iconography, where deities were crafted for ritual veneration in grand shrines like those at Konark. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this rare survivor offers a window into medieval India's devotional artistry and cultural splendor. Its enduring presence invites visitors to ponder the timeless blend of spirituality and craftsmanship that defined Ganga-era creativity.