India / Medieval Period - 11th Century / Fragment Of A Sandstone Stele Representing Vishnu

Origin: India
Period: XIth century
Material: Sandstone
Dimensions including stand: 18.5 x 32.5 cm
Condition: Visible accidents and losses
Provenance: French collection from the 70s

Fragment of a sandstone stele depicting the Hindu deity Vishnu. He is represented adorned with the miter, the royal headdress as well as large circular ear jewels and a heavy necklace with double rows of pearls. The lower right arm is semi-flexed, pressed against the body, palm of the hand turned outwards as a sign of absence of fear (Abbhaya Mudra) and receives a bracelet and a jewel above the elbow. The upper arm also flexes and adorned with a beaded bracelet, the hand welcoming a lotus flower. The youthful expression of the face is characterized by fine browbones with perfect curvature overhanging large almond-shaped eyes and joining at the base of the nose. The latter in the shape of an eagle's beak takes place above a small mouth with full lips surmounting a small prognathic chin.

Despite the fragmentary state of the stele, we can associate it with a particular representation of Vishnu accompanied by his consort Lakshmi. Indeed, the presence of a hand placed on the right shoulder of the divinity allows us to affirm that the scene originally featured Vishnu alongside Lakshmi, the latter embracing her husband.