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Head of Vishnu
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
During this period in India, the Hindu god Vishnu wears a distinctive squarish crown with a central medallion featuring a lion head. With strings of pearls issuing from his mouth, the imagery conveys the idea of radiance and glory. Devotees recognized Vishnu as having solar and royal attributes. His coiled ringlets of hair and heavy earrings also indicate that he was meant to have the appearance of a royal warrior.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineHead of Vishnu, 400s CE. Northern India, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura. Sandstone; overall: 28 cm (11 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Edward L. Whittemore Fund, 1942.498