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Lovers (Mithuna)
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Erotic imagery was a standard element on sacred monuments in India. Idealized lovers signal the auspiciousness of birth, prosperity of life, and the abundance of the created world, indicating to worshippers at the temple that their offerings and prayers would be fruitful and productive. The exaggerated size of their eyes, linearity of the facial features and ornaments, and the impossible twisting of their limbs and her body create an unnatural stylization that heightens the intensity of the scene, as the two figures seem effortlessly unified in their embrace.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Chandela dynasty |
|---|---|
| Date | 1000s |
| Culture / Origin | India, Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho, Medieval period, Chandela dynasty |
| Medium | sandstone |
| Dimensions | Overall: 74 cm (29 1/8 in.) |
| Department | Indian and Southeast Asian Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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