Artwork Page for Matsya, Fish Avatara of Vishnu

Details / Information for Matsya, Fish Avatara of Vishnu

Matsya, Fish Avatara of Vishnu

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

Medium
Gum tempera, graphite, ink, and tin on paper
Measurements
Secondary Support: 47.5 x 29.2 cm (18 11/16 x 11 1/2 in.); Painting only: 44.9 x 27.2 cm (17 11/16 x 10 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of William E. Ward in memory of his wife, Evelyn Svec Ward 2003.102
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
A vertically oriented gum tempera and ink painting on tan paper depicts Matsya, a four-armed figure with a dark skin tone. Adorned in a silver crown, necklaces, red shawl, and yellow waistband, the human torso's arms extend outward: two raised and two reaching sideways. Below the waist, the body transforms into a large gray fish with cross-hatched scales, a prominent eye, and a yellow tail. Handwritten text appears along the lower edge.

Matsya, Fish Avatara of Vishnu

c. 1890

Eastern India, Bengal, Kolkata, Kalighat

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