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Lovers (Mithuna)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Along with the adjacent architectural frieze with dancer and musicians, this tender scene was built into the exterior wall of the now ruined Purana Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Erotic imagery depicting couples interacting with each other in various postures were important components on the exterior of Hindu temples. They underscore the infinite beauty and abundance of the created world.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineLovers (Mithuna), c. 973. Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Sikar, Harshagiri, Pratihara Dynasty, 10th Century. Sandstonewith limestone wash; overall: 35.3 x 34.3 cm (13 7/8 x 13 1/2 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund, 1962.165
