An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Mother Goddessc. 600
Sets of mother goddesses were installed in shrines near the entrance to Hindu temples. From one of the most naturalistic and charming sets, this mother attentively grasps the wrist of her toddler to gently guide him, while smiling lovingly and patiently at him. The simplicity of garments and ornament is characteristic of sculpture of the sixth century, and the naturalistic qualities of this work from northwestern India suggest connections with the Greco-Roman styles of Gandhara, in present-day Pakistan.
This sculpture was one of twelve that were brought to a modern temple known as the Tanesar (Thaneshvara) Mahadeva Temple.
schist
Overall: 79.4 x 23.2 cm (31 1/4 x 9 1/8 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Beneath the gentle canopy of a temple's entrance, where the air is fragrant with incense and whispers of devotion, one encounters an enchanting sight: a set of mother goddesses, tenderly installed in their sacred shrines. Among them, a particular mother captures the eye—a figure as natural as the soft rustling of leaves in a warm breeze.
Her slender fingers delicately grasp the wrist of her child, guiding him with a loving touch, embodying a moment of nurturing simplicity. The warmth of her smile radiates patience, as if the entire world stills to focus on this tender exchange between mother and toddler. Clad in garments that echo the simplicity of the sixth century, this sculpture reflects a time when life was adorned with authenticity rather than excess.
As one observes the contours of her figure, there's a whisper of the past—a reminder of the artistic dialogues that once crossed borders. The naturalistic qualities of this sculpture evoke the enchanting styles of Gandhara, a place steeped in the mingling of cultures, where Greco-Roman influences wove beautifully into the rich fabric of Indian artistry.
In that moment, standing in the presence of this serene mother goddess, we sense a profound connection that transcends time—a loving embrace that speaks volumes of devotion, culture, and the nurturing spirit of humanity itself.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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