Devi

Devi

early 11th century
Locale
Tamil Nadu Province
Country
India
Object
figure
Medium
bronze
Accession Number
1983.15
Credit Line
Contributions from the acquisition challenge grant, Harry I. Smookler Memorial Endowment Funds, Irene Littledale Downs, ... (see card or file)
Devi. early 11th century. bronze. Contributions from the acquisition challenge grant, Harry I. Smookler Memorial Endowment Funds, Irene Littledale Downs, ... (see card or file). 1983.15.
Dimensions
height: 29 in, 73.6600 cm; width: 9.5 in, 24.1300 cm; depth: 9 in, 22.8600 cm
Department
Arts of Asia
Collection
Arts of Asia
This object is currently on view
Goddess Devi India, Tamil Nadu early 1000s, Chola dynasty Bronze Purchased with contributions from the Memorial Endowment Fund, Irene Littledale Downs, Collectors' Choice 1980 and 1981, Saks Fine Arts, Ltd., Asian Department Docents, Alco Investment, Guaranty Bank Pan-Asian Trust Account, Museum Associates, Chen and Associates, Inc., J. Rathbone Falck, Dr. and Mrs. Louis York, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Ellert, Arthur Jolliffe, Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Lackner, Dr. and Mrs. William Takahshi, Patricia Ward Walter, Mrs. Edythe Smookler Trust Fund, and gifts to the Pan-Asian Collection Fund 1983.15 Without the image of her male partner, it is impossible to positively identify this goddess, or devi, since Chola artists used this classic figure with only minor variations for the consorts of several gods, but she is most likely Parvati, the consort of Shiva. She stands in tribhanga (“thrice-bent”) pose, with her left arm extended along her side, following the curve of her body. The index finger and thumb of her right hand forms a circle, in which the stem of a lotus flower may have been placed.
Known Provenance
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, p. 34. J.R. Belmont named as owner.