Narayana (Vishnu) Mounting Garuda with Lakshmi

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Narayana (Vishnu) Mounting Garuda with Lakshmi

India, Rajasthan, Bundi, circa 1730
Drawings; watercolors
Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
Image: 8 3/8 x 5 7/8 in. (21.27 x 14.92 cm); Sheet: 10 3/8 x 8 in. (26.35 x 20.32 cm)
Gift of Jane Greenough Green in memory of Edward Pelton Green (AC1999.127.32)
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

In times of chaos, Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation, comes to earth to destroy demons, restore balance, and uphold the order of the universe....
In times of chaos, Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation, comes to earth to destroy demons, restore balance, and uphold the order of the universe. This painting illustrates a regional variant account of the demon-king Ravana’s death. In this version, Ravana is killed by Narayana and Lakshmi instead of by Vishnu’s seventh incarnation, Prince Rama. Here, Vishnu, known in this two-armed form as Narayana, and his consort, Lakshmi, mount the sunbird Garuda who is about to take off and fly into battle. Garuda brandishes a sword and shield, and holds a conch shell, one of Vishnu’s primary iconographic attributes. Narayana holds a bow and the crescent-headed arrow that will behead Ravana. A full quiver is suspended from his waistband. He is richly adorned with jewelry, including a crown embellished with lotus petals and a long floral garland (vanamala). Lakshmi gazes devotedly at her deific spouse. In the sky celestial nymphs (apsarasas) play musical instruments heralding the divine intervention. The landscape is characteristic of Bundi painting, with a tree burgeoning with lush foliage and a charming riverbank with waterfowl.
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Bibliography

  • Meller, Susan. Labels of Empire: Textile Trademarks: Windows into India in the Time of the Raj. Novato, CA: Goff Books, 2023.