Early Vishnu Group, India

Bronze Group depicting Vishnu

This elegant bronze shows Vishnu in a Jain-like array, standing with two attendants on either side – possibly his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. Vishnu carries a club in his lower left hand, and a chakra and conch in each of the upper two arms. The front right hand is in vitarka mudhra.

Probably from Gujarat, the bronze also has some similarities to an eleventh century bronze of Vishnu illustrated in Postel et al (1985, p. 132) and attributed to Uttar Pradesh.

The bronze has significant wear but is free-standing. It has a magnificent, rich patina, and a great deal of sculptural presence.