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Upper Portion and Head of Vishnu

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sculpture depicts the upper portion and head of Vishnu. The figure has a head with a serene expression, featuring a dot between the eyebrows, a small nose, and closed mouth. The eyes are half-closed. The figure wears a tall, intricately designed crown or headdress. The crown has a distinctive shape, rising high from the forehead. The figure has a necklace around the neck. The shoulders and upper chest are visible, with folds of fabric or jewelry indicated. The right arm appears to be raised or bent at the elbow. The left arm is mostly missing below the elbow. The sculpture is made of dark gray or brown stone. The surface shows signs of weathering or aging. The background is plain and light-colored.

Artwork Details

Date
6th–7th century
Medium
Phyllitic schist
Culture
India (Jammu & Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
Dimensions
599 × 500 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette