Rishi (Sage) with Animal Attendant

Currently not on view

Rishi (Sage) with Animal Attendant

c. 18th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Sri Lankan

The painting on this ivory panel is a fragment of what was once a larger composition, making a definitive identification difficult. The bearded figure holding the stringed instrument may represent the rishi (sage) Narada. An animal-headed attendant on the rishi's left claps along to the music. A great devotee of the Hindu god Vishnu, Narada is celebrated as a musician and composer of sacred verses.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Rishi (Sage) with Animal Attendant

Date:

c. 18th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Sri Lankan

Medium:

Ivory with pigment

Dimensions:

3 1/2 x 2 1/8 x 1/16 inches (8.9 x 5.4 x 0.2 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-363

Geography:

Made in south India, India, Asia or made in Sri Lanka, Asia

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Currently not on view