A Vision of Vishnu (Vaikuntha Darshana)
c 1710-15
Murad and Lupha
active late 17th-early 18th century
Asian Art
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.
- Maker/Artist
- Murad and Lupha
- Classification
- Painting
- Formatted Medium
- Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
- Medium
- opaque, watercolor, gold, silver, paper
- Locations
- Place made: Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
- 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)
- Departments
- Asian Art
- Accession Number
- 1990.134
- Credit Line
- Designated Purchase Fund
- Exhibitions
- Vishnu: Hinduism's Blue-Skinned Savior
- Rights Statement
- No known copyright restrictions
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
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