Shiva as Chandrashekhara
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Object Label
Shiva is one of Hinduism’s most powerful and charismatic deities. He builds up great reserves of energy through the practice of yoga and then uses that energy to propel the cosmos. This sculpture shows the god as Chandrashekhara, meaning “having the moon as a crown.” His battle-axe and the small antelope emphasize his role as protector, especially of the animal kingdom. Although he stands straight and still, his broad shoulders and lively hand gestures suggest his potential for action.
Bronze casting reached an apex of achievement in southern India under the patronage of the Chola dynasty (circa 850–circa 1279). We can see that this image was repeatedly touched during worship, because the front is far more worn than the reverse.
Caption
Shiva as Chandrashekhara, ca. 970 C.E.. Bronze, 25 3/4 x 12 x 7 3/4 in., 50.5 lb. (65.4 x 30.5 x 19.7 cm, 22.91kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Asian Art Council in honor of Amy G. Poster; additional funding from bequest of Dr. Samuel Eilenberg, by exchange; Bertram H. Schaffner Asian Art Fund; and gift of Dr. Andrew Dahl, David Ellis, Benjamin S. Faber, Martha M. Green, Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Halpert, Stanley J. Love, Anthony A. Manheim, Mabel Reiner, and Chi Tiew-lui, by exchange , 2007.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2007.2_front_PS2.jpg)
Collection
Collection
Title
Shiva as Chandrashekhara
Date
ca. 970 C.E.
Dynasty
Chola dynasty
Geography
Place made: Tamil Nadu, India
Medium
Bronze
Classification
Dimensions
25 3/4 x 12 x 7 3/4 in., 50.5 lb. (65.4 x 30.5 x 19.7 cm, 22.91kg)
Credit Line
Gift of the Asian Art Council in honor of Amy G. Poster; additional funding from bequest of Dr. Samuel Eilenberg, by exchange; Bertram H. Schaffner Asian Art Fund; and gift of Dr. Andrew Dahl, David Ellis, Benjamin S. Faber, Martha M. Green, Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Halpert, Stanley J. Love, Anthony A. Manheim, Mabel Reiner, and Chi Tiew-lui, by exchange
Accession Number
2007.2
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
What does the second part of the title mean?
The title of this piece can be translated as Shiva with a moon in his crown. A crescent moon in his hair is one of Shiva's iconographic attributes across several forms. In his hands he holds a leaping deer and a battle axe. These can be related to Shiva's roles as lord of animals and defeater of demons.The sculpture would have been adorned with jewelry and clothing as a devotional objects. They were originally placed in temple or home shrines.What's this?
This statue depicts Shiva as Chandrashekhara. It was created around 970 CE, during the Chola Dynasty in India. It served a religious, devotional purpose in a home or temple. It could have also participated in ritual processions.Shiva is the Hindu god of destruction. Here, he is shown in his Chandrashekhara form, primarily worshipped in southern India.OK, thanks.Tell me more.
The title of this piece can be translated as Shiva with the Moon in his Crown. If you take a close look at the middle part of his headdress you can see a crescent moon.This sculpture was made in Southern India during the Chola Dynasty ca. 970 C.E. In his hands he holds a leaping deer and a battle axe. These can be related to Shiva's roles as lord of animals and defeater of demons!What do the hand-shaped things on his biceps represent?
They are jewelry! Armlets like these were typical of the Chola period. They may relate to Shiva's powers for both destruction and creation.If I were to compare this to Bernini's "David" sculpture, what would be key points? Religion is one, but do you have other suggestions?
What an interesting comparison! Both sculptures including symbols that help viewers to identify the subject.For example, David has his rock and sling. Shiva hold attributes like the deer that identifies him aslord over animals.Another thing that comes to mind is the difference in pose. Shiva stands equally on both feet, with a sense of calm balance. Bernini's figure is full of motion and dynamism.Right, Bernini's figure shows the emotion and drama of the story behind it, because it's at the Pinnacle of him throwing the rock.Yes! The emotion was such an important factor!Viewers of the Bernini would interact with the sculpture visually and emotionally but not physically.This image of Shiva, on the other had, would be used in rituals, it was bathed, adorned with clothing, jewelry, and perfumed oils.In a sense, the way we are seeing it here in the museum is incomplete.At the bottom you can see a hole in the base. This allowed the sculpture to be attached to a carrying device so that it could be paraded during religious festivities.Any other points of difference?Devotional sculptures of Shiva were typically accompanied by sculptures of his consort Parvati. Although we do not see Parvati here, her presence is understood.Similarly, the giant Goliath is not depicted by Bernini, but his presence is implied.You can also talk about materials: bronze vs marble.Bronze is much more durable, especially because sculptures like this are hollow, which allows figures to stand on their two legs, unsupported.Whereas solid marble is both heavier and more brittle and required extra material to support a large figure (at the base of David, there is a block of marble supporting his right leg).OK, thank you so much.
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