Head of the God Vishnu
| Culture | Cambodian |
|---|---|
| Title | Head of the God Vishnu |
| Date | 7th–8th century |
| Medium | Sandstone |
| Dimensions | Overall: 4 x 2 1/4 x 2 3/4 in. (10.2 x 5.7 x 7 cm) |
| Credit Line | Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University |
| Accession Number | 84.38 |
| This artwork is currently on view. | |
Head of a small figure wearing a tall tubular headress. It was probably a standing figure in its orginal state.
Vishnu, one of the most powerful Hindu gods, is known as the sustainer. In style and iconography this sculpture owes a debt to India, whose merchants, while traveling southern trade routes, introduced not only the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism but also Indian sculptural traditions to Cambodia and other countries in Southeast Asia. Most likely a fragment of a standing figure that had once been attached to a wall or other architectural structure, the sculpture embodies great presence despite its diminutive size. The sculptor carved subtle transitions, such as from the raised cheekbone to the slightly depressed temple, to create elegant features and a serene expression.
Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.
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"Head of the God Vishnu | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=84.38