Lord Vishnu

Lord Vishnu

Kerala Bronze,  8th Century AD, Thiruvananthapuram Museum

             This is the oldest bronze sculpture of the museum. Although this figure is from central Kerala, it shows the influence of Pallava art of Tamil Nadu.  The eyes are done in gold and red gemstone.  There is some gold in the Crown also. 

              Lord Vishnu is an important diety in Kerala as is evident from the Padmanabhan temple in Thiruvananthapuram or Trivendrum.  Although the South has a strong following of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu is equally important.  

             Here we see a slender version of the male figure. While in North, Lord Vishnu is depicted as broad shouldered , and with a supple body, in South slender figures are preferred. 

This piece may not be a masterpiece,  but it is important for its historical value.