Shiva Holding a Trident. late 500s. stone. Funds from Ruth Luby,Dorothy Hietler,Fay Carter & Norman Degan in loving memory of their parents,Nellie & Jesse Shwayder,& acquisition challenge fund.. 1982.15.

height: 18.75 in, 47.6250 cm

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia

This object is currently on view

God Shiva India, Southern Rajasthan late 500s, Gupta period Stone Museum purchase with funds from Ruth Luby, Dorothy Heitler, Fay Shwayder, and Norma Degen in memory of their parents Nellie and Jesse Shwayder, and from Acquisition Challenge Grant Funds 1982.15 This fragmentary image of a four-armed Shiva has the idealized form developed by Gupta-period sculptors to portray sacred figures. His youthful appearance is an expression of his physical and spiritual beauty. There is little attempt to represent musculature. Instead, the smooth modeling captures the force of the god’s inwardly held breath (prana), the essence of life.

At least 1966, JR Belmont Collection, Switzerland [1]. At least 1967-1981, Pan-Asian Collection, Christian Humann [d. 1981]; 1981-1982, Robert H. Ellsworth [b. 1925, d. 2014], purchased from Mr. Humann's heirs; 1982, DAM collection, museum purchase. [1] published in Indische Kunst, 1966, cat. no. 54. J.R. Belmont named as owner.