India. Finely carved seated in dhyanasana atop a cushioned throne incised with lotus petals, his primary hands lowered in dhyana mudra, his upper right hand holding a mace and his upper left a dharmachakra. Vishnu is flanked by Lakshmi and Sarasvati, a composition known as the 'Preserver of the Universe'.

Provenance: From a private collection of Indian and Southeast Asian art in Antwerp, Belgium.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Extensive wear, signs of weathering and erosion, encrustations, losses, chips, nicks, scratches.

Dimensions: Height 60 cm

Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism and is often depicted in various forms and postures, each carrying an important symbolic significance. The representation of the current lot, with Vishnu in the yoga position, also known as Vishnu Yogasana or Yoga Narayana, is associated with the concept of deep meditation and cosmic balance. The symbolic elements held by Vishnu reinforce the idea of his divine qualities and his meditative state as a source of strength, wisdom, and cosmic order. The mace represents mental and physical strength, being a powerful weapon used by deities to defeat ignorance and evil forces. The dharmachakra represents the cosmic law of righteousness and the cyclical nature of the universe. When Vishnu is depicted holding these elements, it signifies his divine strength and his role as a guardian and protector of both the dharma (righteousness) and his devotees. The addition of Lakshmi, Vishnu's divine consort, is seen as balancing force between the material wealth and the well-being of the universe, while Saravati's presence symbolizes importance of education and intellect in the preservation of cosmic order. The iconography is seen as one of profound philosophical meaning.

Expert's note: Seated examples such as this are also known from important sites such as Garhwa in Allahabad, a Gupta period site that was occupied for several centuries, with stelae dating to as late as the 10th century.

Literature comparison:
Compare a closely related stele in the Government Museum, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, accession number 14-379. See also India Department of Archaeology and Museums, Heritage of Haryana. Sculpture of Hindu Divinities, p. 14 for a description of Yoga Naryana that dates this form of sculpture to the 10th century.

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