Vishnu's Anatomical Structure

Upon closer examination of the Vishnu sculpture shown above, one can begin to understand how the artistic aspects of expression/anatomical configuration, symbol, material, and scale both reflect and illuminate specific facets of the historical context in which it was created. The Hindu god Vishnu, preserver and protector of the cosmos, is said to take on the form of an avatar in order to combat the “destructive forces” that threaten to extinguish moral order (Kossak and Watts 2001: 16). In this piece, Vishnu’s facial expression is one of serenity and internal bliss, while his erect pose denotes a strong presence confidence and control (Kossak and Watts: 42). Although traditional (i.e. Indian) sculptural depictions of Hindu gods often employ rounded anatomical features as a means of expressing prana (i.e.
This distinction most likely reflects a regional Angkorean influence and also seems to convey a greater sense of traditional masculinity. From this evidence, one could infer that this piece depicts an Angkorean god-king of the popular Vishnu cult. Thus, the confidence, control, and masculinity conveyed in Vishnu’s pose and anatomical structure were likely designed to create an image of the king as a source of earthly and religious authority. The heightened sense of power conveyed by these features helps to explain why the lower classes of the Angkorean social hierarchy (i.e. peasant laborers and slaves) were willing to accept the unequal distribution of wealth and power. Through his embodiment of the divine, the king compelled respect and adoration and ultimately placed himself at the center of all Angkorean life (Osborne 2013: