Vishnu-Krishna Manifests His Cosmic Form

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more

Currently not on view

Vishnu-Krishna Manifests His Cosmic Form

c. 1850

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Krishna reveals his cosmic nature in this image. In his four hands he holds the characteristic attributes of the god Vishnu, of whom he is an incarnation. They are the lotus flower, the conch, the disk, and the mace. Within his body he embraces all reality: animals and demons can be seen in the lower parts while gods and devotees are portrayed above. At the center of the figure, where the most powerful energy coalesces, Vishnu appears as the creator of the universe, lying on the great serpent Adishesha.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Vishnu-Krishna Manifests His Cosmic Form

Date:

c. 1850

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 11 1/2 × 7 3/8 inches (29.2 × 18.7 cm) Sheet: 12 1/16 × 7 15/16 inches (30.6 × 20.2 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994

Accession Number:

1994-148-450

Geography:

Possibly made in Punjab, India, Asia or made in Delhi, India, Asia or made in Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view

More like this:

1/12