God Vishnu's Mount, Garuda, Kneeling with Hands in Gesture of Adoration (Anjalimudra)
by Unknown Artist, 1301
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1301
- Medium
- Schist
- Size
- 48.8 × 38.7 × 21 cm (19 1/4 × 15 1/4 × 8 1/4 in.)
Cite or Embed This Work
APA · MLA · Chicago1-click academic citation and embeddable “On View” museum badge for articles, syllabi, and research.
This 14th-century schist sculpture from the Kathmandu Valley shows Garuda, the divine eagle and mount of Vishnu, kneeling with hands pressed together in the anjali mudra (gesture of devotion). Garuda is the king of birds in Hindu mythology, born from an egg and possessing incredible strength and speed. He's depicted here in anthropomorphic form, with human body and bird features, demonstrating his eternal devotion to Vishnu.
The anjali mudra represents reverence, respect, and the ideal relationship between devotee and deity. Garuda also serves as the eternal enemy of nagas (serpents), representing the power that conquers poison, pride, and earthly attachments. The sculpture was carved from schist, a metamorphic stone that allows detailed work. It's at the Art Institute of Chicago, measuring about 19 by 15 inches.
Also at Art Institute of Chicago
View all →Sculpture
T
The Solitude of the Soul
Lorado Taft, 1901
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Sculpture
W
Walking Buddha
, 201
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Sculpture
A
Architectural Fragment with Relief Carving
Ancient Egyptian (Unknown), 401
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Sculpture
A
Allegory of Science
Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, 1865
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Related Works
Works that share an artist, movement, museum, genre, palette or theme with God Vishnu's Mount, Garuda, Kneeling with Hands in Gesture of Adoration (Anjalimudra).
- Same museum
- Similar themes
God Vishnu's Mount, Garuda, Standing with Hands in Gesture of Adoration (Anjalimudra)
1201
- Same museum
- Similar themes
God Vishnu Riding His Mount, Garuda
1501
- Same museum
- Similar themes
Garuda, Mount of God Vishnu
701
- Same museum
- Similar themes
God Vishnu with Goddess Lakshmi and His Mount, Garuda, in Attendance
1001
- Same museum
- Similar themes
God Vishnu Astride His Mount, Garuda
1601
- Same museum
- Similar themes
God Vishnu on His Mount, Garuda
Khmer, 1101
- Same museum
God Vishnu Measures the Universe in Three Strides (Trivikrama)
1101
- Same museum
Serpent King (Nagaraja) Emerging from a Lotus
101
- Same museum
Boar Incarnation of God Vishnu (Varaha) Lifting the Earth Goddess Bhudevi
1001
- Same museum
Votive Plaque with God Vishnu
1801
- Same museum
Temple Strut Fragment with Boar God, Varaha
1401
- Same museum
A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte
Georges Seurat, 1886
About God Vishnu's Mount, Garuda, Kneeling with Hands in Gesture of Adoration (Anjalimudra)
The king of birds and sacred mount of Vishnu in Hindu mythology. He's the son of sage Kashyapa and Vinata, born from an egg. He serves as Vishnu's vehicle and is the eternal enemy of nagas (serpents), representing power over poison and earthly attachments.
Hands pressed together in a prayer position, the traditional gesture of greeting, respect, and devotion in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. For Garuda, it represents his eternal devotion and service to Lord Vishnu.
Hindu iconography depicts Garuda either as a giant eagle or in anthropomorphic form (human body with wings and bird features). The human form emphasizes his role as a conscious, devoted servant of Vishnu rather than simply a vehicle.
At the Art Institute of Chicago. It's from the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, about 19 by 15 inches in schist.
Own Art Like This
Luxury wall art with the same mood and energy. Gallery-quality canvas, no museum crowds.
Browse Collection