Untitled
The Met
Artist: Unknown
Date: 1450–1500
Department: Asian Art
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Distemper on cotton cloth
Dimensions: Image: 16 × 13 1/4 in. (40.6 × 33.7 cm) Framed: H. 20 1/4 in. (51.4 cm); W. 15 7/8 in. (40.3 cm); D. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
Credit Line: Zimmerman Family Collection, Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation and the Zimmerman Family Gifts, 2017
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Multi-armed blue figure embracing smaller red figure, on lotus, against red patterned background.
Detailed Description
A multi-figure painting depicts a large, multi-armed, multi-headed blue figure embracing a smaller, red, multi-armed figure at its center. The larger blue figure stands with its right leg bent and left leg extended, its skin a deep indigo. It has three heads, the central one facing forward, and at least eight arms radiating outwards, holding various implements such as a trident, a sword, a skull cup, a noose, a drum, a vajra, and a bell. This figure wears an elaborate golden crown, multiple necklaces, armbands, and anklets. The smaller red figure, with one head and two arms, embraces the larger blue figure, mirroring its posture with a bent right leg and extended left leg. This red figure also wears a crown and jewelry. Both figures stand on a multi-layered lotus pedestal with petals in shades of blue, green, red, and gold. The background is a rich, deep red, intricately patterned with swirling, organic motifs that resemble flames or stylized foliage in darker red and gold. Within this red background, several smaller, dark blue or red figures are depicted in gold-framed niches. The entire central scene is framed by a wide border. The left and right sides of this border contain vertical rows of small, individual figures, each in its own compartment, some seated and some standing, rendered in various colors. The top and bottom borders also feature horizontal rows of similar small, seated figures in compartments. The outermost edge of the artwork is a narrow, dark blue or black frame.
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