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The Elephant King Attacked by a Crocodile, c1650. Creator: Unknown
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The Elephant King Attacked by a Crocodile, c1650. Creator: Unknown
The Elephant King Attacked by a Crocodile, c1650. A herd of elephants is playing in a river when their leader is attacked by a crocodile. The elephant calls for the god Vishnu to save him, and because the elephant's faith in Vishnu is sincere, the deity comes to his rescue. The story demonstrates the strength of genuine faith and Vishnu's willingness to help the faithful. The image of the sun being pulled by a horse-drawn chariot at the top of the painting is one convention for depicting Surya, the solar deity in Hinduism
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Media ID 36366876
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Attack Attacking Bolt Of Lightning Chariot Crocodile Crocodiles Danger Dangerous Devanagari Dramatic Elephant Elephants Fight Hinduism Indian Elephant Indian Elephants Lightning Lightning Bolt Lotus Flower Lotus Flowers Monsoon Opaque Watercolor And Gold On Paper Peril Rain Raining Rainy Reptile Reptiles Storm Stormy Walters Art Museum Hindoostan
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Elephant King Attacked by a Crocodile," an enigmatic and captivating work of art from the 17th century, showcases a dramatic scene of faith and devotion in the heart of the Indian subcontinent. The painting, executed in opaque watercolor and gold on paper, portrays a herd of elephants frolicking in a river, their playful splashing interrupted by a sudden, terrifying attack from a crocodile on their leader. The elephant, in desperation, calls upon the Hindu deity Vishnu for help, his faith in the god sincere and unwavering. The composition is further enriched by the depiction of Surya, the solar deity, riding his chariot, pulled by seven horses, at the top of the painting. This is a common convention in Hindu art to represent the solar system and the cyclical nature of life. The scene unfolds against the backdrop of a monsoon-rainy day, with a stormy sky and a bolt of lightning in the distance, adding to the sense of danger and peril. The elephants, their bodies adorned with intricate lotus flowers, are a testament to the rich heritage of Indian art and literature. The painting, a masterpiece of unknown origin, is a powerful reminder of the strength of faith and the willingness of the divine to intervene on behalf of the faithful. It is a visual narrative that transcends geographical boundaries, inviting us to explore the depths of human emotion and the enduring power of belief. This magnificent artwork, a treasure from the annals of Indian art history, is now part of the esteemed collection at the Walters Art Museum in the United States, a testament to its enduring value and significance in the world of art and culture.
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