Cleveland Museum of Art

Head of Vishnu

Date

400s CE

Medium

sandstone

Culture

Northern India, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

During this period in India, the Hindu god Vishnu wears a distinctive squarish crown with a central medallion featuring a lion head. With strings of pearls issuing from his mouth, the imagery conveys the idea of radiance and glory. Devotees recognized Vishnu as having solar and royal attributes. His coiled ringlets of hair and heavy earrings also indicate that he was meant to have the appearance of a royal warrior.

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