South Indian Bronze Image of Lakshmi-Narayana

This fine and well proportioned image shows Vishnu as Narayana with Sri Devi (or Lakshmi) seated on his left knee.

Vishnu is seated on a tiered rectangular throne. Sri Devi holds a lotus bud in her left hand. She retains traces of a kuchabandha across her breasts which is one of her defining attributes. Vishnu holds a chakra wheel with his back right hand and a conch with his back left hand. His front left hand supports Sri Devi and his front right hand is in vitarka mudhra. He is seated on a lotus throne. Both have dhoti garments and copious jewellery. Both have conical hair styles or crowns. Vishnu has a broad, cross-hatched waist band. Lakshmi’s right hand rests on Vishnu’s back for support.

One unusual and interesting detail is a small figure of Garuda – Vishnu’s vahana or celestial vehicle – cast into the front of the base.

The image shows significant puja wear. It has a chocolate-brown patina and clear and obvious age.