37 - WOOD CARVED VISHNU AND LKSHMI INDIA 19TH CENTURY

WOOD CARVED VISHNU AND LKSHMI INDIA 19TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 47 cm Wide 22 cm Depth 14 cm Weight: 2807 grams A striking painted wood group of Vishnu with Lakshmi, conceived as a compact sacred ensemble rather than as two isolated figures. Vishnu sits frontally beneath the spectacular spread of a multi-hooded serpent canopy, his four arms arranged around the body and holding attributes, while the smaller figure of Lakshmi is seated closely against his side. The divine couple rests on the tightly coiled body of the serpent, creating a powerful stacked composition of deity, companion, naga and throne. The sculpture is enlivened by surviving colour throughout. Greens, reds, ochres, black and traces of gilding distinguish skin, garments, serpent scales and jewellery, while wear and abrasions reveal the wood beneath in many raised areas. That polychromy is essential to the object's effect: it transforms the carving from a purely sculptural form into a vivid devotional image in which colour helps separate the different figures and sacred attributes. Vishnu's association with the cosmic serpent is one of the central images of Vaishnavite art, while Lakshmi embodies prosperity, beauty and auspiciousness. Here the closeness of the two figures gives the group a particularly intimate character. At nearly half a metre high, the carving has real presence, yet the detailed painted surface continues to reward close viewing, especially in the serpent hood, jewellery and layered base.