Vishnu
c. 950
Asia: Cambodia
Sandstone
Norton Simon Art Foundation
Vishnu is one of three gods that forms the Hindu trinity (trimurti). As the preserver of the universe, Vishnu is the embodiment of truth and justice. The cult of Vishnu was prominent during the Angkor period, as this monumental and exquisitely carved sculpture attests. Distinguished from other Khmer objects in the collection by its highly polished surface, this image of Vishnu holds a conch shell in his upper-left hand and a small orb in his lower-right hand.
Seismic Stability of Sculptures
As the Norton Simon Museum is in a region prone to seismic activity, one of the central concerns for the conservation team is ensuring the safety of freestanding sculptures. The base of the Vishnu in the center of this gallery has fall-away side walls, held loosely in place with magnets. This mechanism allows the isolator’s three levels to slide in any direction and return to center if the floor under the sculpture moves, thanks to a special array of springs and bearings.
