Sujet
A Guardian of Shiva, 1200s. Creator: Unknown.
Légende
A Guardian of Shiva, 1200s. In Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva that were made in territories governed by rulers of the Hoysala dynasty (1026-1343), the entrance guardians appeared as a fierce form of the deity himself. In spite of his bulging eyes, arched brows, and fangs, the soft contours of the face temper the ferocity and create a gently alluring figure. This exceptional example of the ornate Hoysala style is four-armed and has the third eye of knowledge. In his upper right hand he holds a drum that indicates the relentless rhythm of time, which inevitably consumes all creation. In the other, he holds a staff at the top of which is the decomposing fifth head of the god of creation, Brahma, which Shiva cut off to show his superior power. A three-hooded cobra winds its way up the shaft, while another slithers through the sockets of the skull.
Crédit
Photo12/Heritage Images/Heritage Art
Notre référence
HRM19F67_482
Model release
NA
Property release
NA
Licence
Droits gérés
Format disponible
41,4Mo (3,0Mo) / 24,5cm x 42,3cm / 2897 x 5000 (300dpi)