Exercise weight with scene of Krishna killing the horse-demon Keshi
Here, Vishnu assumes his earthly appearance (avatar) as the youthful Krishna, slaying the demon Keshi who attacks in the guise of a horse. This subject very probably has its origins in Hellenistic legends, most notably the labors of Hercules in which the Greek hero slays the horses of Diomedes. The martial prowess of this subject, in which Krishna slays the horse-demon with his bare hands, is an appropriate choice for a bodybuilder's exercise weight.
Artwork Details
- Title: Exercise weight with scene of Krishna killing the horse-demon Keshi
- Period: late Kushan period
- Date: 3rd century
- Culture: India (Uttar Pradesh, Mathura)
- Medium: Sandstone
- Dimensions: H. 9 13/16 in. (25 cm); W. 19 11/16 in. (50 cm); D. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Gift of Samuel Eilenberg, 1987
- Object Number: 1987.142.286
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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