Untitled

Unknown

ca. 1700–1750 · Wood with cloth and polychrome · Asian Art

This mask depicting a handsome crowned male is likely intended to represent Vishnu himself, though he does not normally feature directly in the temple dramas, as Narasimha serves as his ferocious manifestation. Nonetheless, Vishnu’s presence is understood; he presides over the performance while not directly participating in it. Alternatively, this mask may be intended to represent Prahalada, the devotee for whom Vishnu interceded as the man-lion savior.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1700–1750

Medium

Wood with cloth and polychrome

Culture

Southern India, Tamil Nadu, probably Thanjavur district

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift and The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Foundation Fund, 2015