Fragment from Markendeya Purana: Vishnu Reclining on a Serpent
Indian
Description
Fragment from Markendeya Purana: Vishnu
Reclining on a Serpent
India, Northern Andhra Pradesh
Late 18th century
Ink, watercolor, and gold on cloth
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel and Dr. and
Mrs. Steven J. Figiel, 1980/2.305
The Markandeya Purana is one of the puranas, a series of texts
compiled during the fifth century relating narratives about the Hindu
gods and containing centuries of traditional wisdom. Part of the
Markandeya Purana is said to be an account of the visions of the sage,
including this scene of the creation of the world. Here, the Hindu
deity Vishnu lies in the embrace of the serpent god Ananta, who rests
upon the surface of the cosmic ocean. As Vishnu emerges from a state
of slumber, a lotus bearing the four-headed god Brahma emerges from
his navel, initiating a new cycle of the universe.
This painting is one of three in UMMA’s collection that were
originally part of a single long, vertical scroll that would have been
carried from village to village by itinerant storytellers. The storyteller
would unroll one large scene each evening and vocally re-enact it,
interspersing a traditional recitation about the gods with current
village gossip. The painting, purpose-made for oral storytelling,
features a complex composition with many embedded subplots. The
large scale, simplified drawing, and bold colors make it especially
appropriate for outdoor viewing from a distance.
(S&SEA Gallery Rotation, Summer 2025)
Subject Matter:
The Markandeya Purana is one of the puranas, a series of texts compiled by about the fifth century C.E. that relate narratives about the Hindu gods and embody centuries of traditional wisdom. Part of the Markandeya Purana is said to be an account of the visions of the sage Markandeya, including this scene of the moment of creation of the world.
This painting is one of three in the Museum’s collection that were originally part of a single long vertical scroll that would have been carried from village to village by itinerant storytellers. The storyteller would unroll one large scene each evening and vocally re-enact the scene, interspersing a traditional recitation about the gods with current village gossip. The fact that the painting is purpose-made for oral recitation allows the artist to create a more complex composition, with many imbedded subplots. The large scale, simplified drawing, and bold colors make this painting especially appropriate for outdoor viewing from a distance.
Physical Description:
The four-armed Vishnu is shown lying on the serpent Ananta (“the endless one”), resting on the surface of the cosmic ocean. As his female consort gently strokes his leg, Vishnu awakens from a long sleep. From his navel sprouts a lotus, bearing the four-headed creator god, Brahma, who will begin a new cycle of the universe.
Usage Rights:
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