An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Nataraja, Shiva as the Lord of Dance1000s
One of the most celebrated sculptural forms in the history of Indian art, this elegant and dynamic figure embodies some of Hinduism’s most fundamental tenets. According to Hindu thought, time is cyclical; the world is created, maintained, preserved for a time, then destroyed, only to be created again an infinite number of times. For those Hindus who view Shiva to be the all-powerful creator divinity, he is responsible for both creation and destruction. The ring of fire and the tongue of flame he holds in his left hand refer to destruction, and the drum in his raised right hand refers to the relentless beat of time as it moves inevitably forward. His lower right hand, held up with the palm facing out, signals to his devotees not to be afraid of the impending destruction; they can be liberated from the cycles of birth and death through devotion to him, which he indicates by pointing to his upraised foot. With every step in his dance, he lands on a dwarfish figure personifying ignorance.
The trampled figure holds a serpent in his left hand and with his right points up to Shiva.
Bronze
Overall: 113 x 102 x 30 cm (44 1/2 x 40 3/16 x 11 13/16 in.); Base: 35 x 24 cm (13 3/4 x 9 7/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In a tranquil corner of a bustling gallery, the soft hum of whispers envelops visitors as they gather around one of the most celebrated sculptures in the heart of Indian art. Here stands a figure, elegantly poised and dynamic, captivating the attentions of all who behold it. This is no ordinary statue; it is a visual embodiment of some of Hinduism’s most sacred philosophies, inviting those who gaze upon it into a profound contemplation of life, time, and the divine.
The air seems to ripple with the essence of ancient wisdom. As we approach, the light casts gentle shadows that dance around the intricate details of this magnificent sculpture—imagine the delicate curves and powerful stance that shape its silhouette. It represents Shiva, the revered deity of creation and destruction, a paradox that forms the very foundation of existence.
Within the vast tapestry of Hindu thought, time is not seen as a straight line, but rather as a vibrant cycle. The world comes into being, flourishes, and eventually succumbs to decay, only to be reborn in a never-ending loop. In this homage to the divine dance of life, Shiva reigns supreme, orchestrating the rhythm of the cosmos. In his left hand, he grips a ring of fire—a vivid symbol of destruction—and a fierce tongue of flame that flickers, reminding us of the fleeting nature of all that we cherish.
Meanwhile, his right hand triumphantly raises a drum, its surface glowing under the museum lights, resonating the timeless beat that propels existence forward. It speaks to the relentless march of time, each thump echoing as a reminder that moments pass, yet the dance continues.
But as we look further, his presence is not one of fear. Shiva’s lower right hand, held aloft with an open palm, offers reassurance to those who stare in awe. "Do not be afraid," it seems to say. The cycle of destruction is merely a prelude to liberation, a theme that his upraised foot emphasizes. It beckons to his devotees, offering salvation through dedication and faith.
As our eyes trace the contours of the figure, we notice another layer of meaning—at the feet of this divine dancer lies a dwarfish figure, a representation of ignorance itself. With each graceful step of Shiva's choreographed performance, he crushes this manifestation of folly, symbolizing the victory of knowledge and enlightenment over darkness.
In this moment, we find ourselves amidst a powerful narrative that transcends time and captures the essence of life itself. The vibrant sculpture, so rich in symbolism and significance, invites us into an introspective journey, urging us to reflect not only on the cycles of our own existence but also on the beauty that lies within our devotion.
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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