Vishnu
Unknown Artist
800s
Medium
schist
Dimensions
h. 43.8 cm
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession Number
1980.194
About this artwork
The axial stance and somber expression visually amplify the powerful nature of this four-armed Hindu god. The crown and fine textiles communicate his regal qualities. In his upper left hand, a conch shell signals the start of battle or the sound of OM at the opening of a mantra recited to quell inner demons. Vishnu’s followers glorify his ability to destroy demonic forces that bring imbalance and disorder, both throughout the world and within oneself.