Vishnu as Vishvarupa (cosmic or universal man)
Painting
ca. 1800-1820 (made)
ca. 1800-1820 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This striking painting shows the blue-skinned Hindu god Vishnu in his form as the Universal Man or Vishvarupa, which means 'all forms'. The small figures painted on his body refer to his role as encompassing all of creation. He has four arms, each holding one of Vishnu's attributes; a conch shell, a lotus flower, a mace and the circular weapon called Sudarshana chakra (meaning 'beautiful discus').
The painting was probably done in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in about 1800-1805.
The painting was probably done in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in about 1800-1805.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Vishnu as Vishvarupa (cosmic or universal man) (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Watercolour on paper |
| Brief description | Vishnu as Cosmic man, watercolour on paper, early 19th century, Jaipur. |
| Physical description | Painting of a figure of Vishnu as the Cosmic Man. He is shown blue-skinned with an orange scarf against a black background. His body is covered with images of people and buildings to convey the idea of all of humanity. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Mrs Gerald Clark |
| Object history | Given by Mrs.Gerard Clark. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This striking painting shows the blue-skinned Hindu god Vishnu in his form as the Universal Man or Vishvarupa, which means 'all forms'. The small figures painted on his body refer to his role as encompassing all of creation. He has four arms, each holding one of Vishnu's attributes; a conch shell, a lotus flower, a mace and the circular weapon called Sudarshana chakra (meaning 'beautiful discus'). The painting was probably done in Jaipur, Rajasthan, in about 1800-1805. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.33-2006 |
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| Record created | May 14, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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