- 280
Vaishnava Alavar Copper alloy South India, Vijayanagar Period
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Vaishnava Alavar
- Copper alloy
- height 25 1/4 in. (64.1 cm)
The saint standing in slight contrapposto on a raised pedestal clad in a short dhoti secured at his waist by a jeweled girdle. His hair is arranged in a simple, tall chignon above his head, the urdhava pundra on his forehead identifying him as a Vaishnava Alavar, his face bearing a beatific expression.
Provenance
J. R. Pons Collection, Spain, 1970s
Condition
Very good overall condition. Minor accretion throughout. Original front right tang now broken.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The iconography of the present sculpture is close to an image of the renowned Vaishnava saint Tirumankai Alavar in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum, see J. C. Harle and A. Topsfield, Indian Art in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1987, cat. 67, pp. 55-56. This saint who was a bandit before he reformed and became an Alavar is always shown with a sword and shield. While these atrributes are not seen in the present image it is possible that they were separately added to the two raised palms of the sculpture and are now missing.