A Vision of Vishnu (Vaikuntha Darshana)
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Object Label
We know from court records that a ruler of the northwestern kingdom of Bikaner had a vivid dream in which he saw Vishnu and Lakshmi enthroned in a garden pavilion. Interpreting the vision as a good omen or blessing, the king ordered a painter to make an illustration based on his description. The subject remained a favorite for local artists and patrons for several generations. Like most versions, this painting presents Lakshmi as much smaller than Vishnu, and even smaller than their female servants.
Caption
Attributed to Murad and Lupha active late 17th–early 18th century. A Vision of Vishnu (Vaikuntha Darshana), c 1710–15. Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper, sheet: 7 11/16 x 5 3/8 in. (19.5 x 13.7 cm) image: 7 7/16 x 5 5/16 in. (18.9 x 13.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 1990.134. No known copyright restrictions (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.134_IMLS_SL2.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
A Vision of Vishnu (Vaikuntha Darshana)
Date
c 1710–15
Geography
Place made: Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Medium
Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
Classification
Dimensions
sheet: 7 11/16 x 5 3/8 in. (19.5 x 13.7 cm) image: 7 7/16 x 5 5/16 in. (18.9 x 13.5 cm)
Credit Line
Designated Purchase Fund
Accession Number
1990.134
Rights
No known copyright restrictions
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