INDIA, KARNATAKA, HOYSALA PERIOD, 12TH/13TH CENTURY

The present figure exemplifies the richly detailed and intricate sculpture of the Hoysala period, spanning from the 11th to the mid-14th century. Stylistically, Hoysala sculpture is unlike any other sculpture style in India. Carved in deep relief, similar to openwork, the soft chlorite schist enabled the artist to demonstrate a high level of detail. Heavily laden with jewelry, this ornate sculpture depicts Vishnu standing with both feet uniformly placed on a flat lotus pedestal flanked by two attendants. For a similar example, see the standing Vishnu at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (18.41).