VISHNU AND GARUDA Bronze India 18th century Dimensions: Height 31 cm ; Wide 14 cm ; Depth 13 cm Weight: 2472 grams A large bronze work depicting four-armed Vishnu, the preserver of good, and his vehicle Garuda, a bird-like divinity. Vishnu is standing on an elevated base carried on Garuda's shoulders, who is standing in a big lunge with hand palms facing upwards in front of him. He is easily recognized by his wings spreading from his back. Vishnu is standing on a small lotus base showing the varada mudra, gesture of compassion and generosity. Two arms are holding the discus and conch shell. Vishnu is placed in an alcove with decorated pillars and an arch made of leaves, this kind of gateway is called torana. Above Vishnu we see a five-headed serpent forming a protective canopy over his head. The back of the piece is flat and bears three hooks, the upper piece with the torana is detachable.