Shiva the Bull-Rider (Vrishabhavana)
c. 1000
Asia: India, Tamil Nadu
On View

The majestic Shiva (right) stands in a relaxed posture and would have leaned upon the head of his bull, known as Nandi or Vrisha, which is now missing. The god's recognizable attributes include his elaborate hairstyle, in which his long matted hair is piled up on top of his head to form a crown, his elaborate jewelry, and his armbands. His wife and companion, Parvati (F.1982.2.2.S), is the embodiment of feminine beauty and grace.

Details

  • Title: Shiva the Bull-Rider (Vrishabhavana)
  • Date: c. 1000
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: 39-1/2 x 13-1/2 x 10-1/2 in. (100.3 x 34.3 x 26.7 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
  • Accession Number: F.1972.24.S
  • Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation

Object Information

  • Pal, Pratapaditya, Marg, fig. 5 pp. 58-59
  • Knoke, Christine, Minerva, fig. 13 p. 29
  • Dehejia, Vidya, Asian Art: Selections from the Norton Simon Museum, fig. 10 p. 43
  • Pal, Pratapaditya, American Collectors of Asian Art, 1986, fig. 5 pp. 122-123
  • Dehejia, Vidya, Art of the Imperial Cholas, 1990, ill. 51 p. 66-68
  • Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, 2003, no. 172a pp. 240-241
  • Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 824 p. 342
  • Dr. Pratapaditya Pal, In Pursuit of the Past: Collecting Old Art in Modern India circa 1900-1950, 2015, 8.17 pp. 131-133
Listen
Audio Tour
English | Español
Read
Audio Tour Transcript
English | Español
Escuchar
Audioguía
English | Español
Leer
Transcripción de Audioguía
English | Español

Image reproduction permission may be granted for scholarly or arts related commercial use. All image requests, regardless of their intended purpose, should be submitted via the reproduction request form.

Images may be protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. Additional permission may be required.

Approved requests for the reproduction of an image will receive a contract detailing all fees and conditions of use of the image. Upon receipt of both the signed contract and full payment, the Office of Rights and Reproductions will provide the image. A complimentary copy of the published material must be provided to the Norton Simon Museum.

Reproduction Request Form