Goddess Sarasvati
In this rare representation of Sarasvati, the goddess of knowledge and the arts is seen riding astride Vishnu’s eagle Garuda, flying high above rolling mountain ranges. Rather than holding her characteristic book of learning and her favored instrument, the vina, she displays the signature attributes of her Lord Vishnu in her four hands, the discus, conch, lotus and mace. She is stern and martial, more akin to Vishnu himself than to the gentle goddess of knowledge. Likewise, her body has assumed the blue hue of Vishnu rather than her characteristic white complexion. In the Bengali Vaishnava tradition Sarasvati is considered the first wife of Vishnu.
Artwork Details
- Title: Goddess Sarasvati
- Date: ca. 1890–20
- Culture: India
- Medium: Color lithograph
- Dimensions: Sheet: 17 3/4 × 22 in. (45.1 × 55.9 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Purchase, The Kipper Family Foundation Gift, 2021
- Object Number: 2021.218
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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India
ca. 1885–95
India
1900
India
ca. 1885–95
India
ca. 1900
India
1880s–90s
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