A Blackstone figure of Vishnu

Western India during the period between the 10th and 13th centuries witnessed a flurry of temple building, sponsored by the rulers of the Solanki dynasty as well as local patron bases. Architects experimented, synthesizing elements of earlier styles and modalities to create ever more complex architectural plans and decorative programs. Changes to the plan yielded new surfaces for sculpture, and figures of deities and their celestial court proliferated across the exterior and interior temple walls. This figure of Vishnu, expertly carved fully in the round with great attention given to the finest details, was likely an icon enshrined in a primary niche projection on the exterior and flanked by attendant figures. Although the figure would only have been viewed from the front, the artist has taken the care to complete the verso nonetheless. The figure's supple appearance and elegant proportions make this a superb example of medieval Western Indian sculpture.