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Vishnu
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineVishnu, 800s. Nepal. Schist; overall: 43.8 cm (17 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund, 1980.194