The God Vishnu is the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, the restorer of moral order and reincarnated throughout the ages to save the world. He can be recognized by his ornate tiara, decorated with a string of pearls and stylized floral motifs, that has been elegantly tied at the back of the head.

The geometric face shows the idealized features which are typical of the Bakheng style. The forehead is bare and the hair style is neatly combed, finishing at the temples.

The almond shaped eyes are underlined by a double incision and portray a certain rigidity that denotes the divine nature of the deity. The joined eyebrows are represented by a straight geometric line above the eyes that accentuate the squareness of the face and reinforce his hieratic appearance. The nose is straight and fine and the pulpy lips are highlighted by a thin moustache that is characteristic of the beauty canons of Khmer art during this period. The elongated ears are carefully drawn and they harmoniously complete this sculpture of deity.

The extreme stylization of the features and the very smooth treatment of the stone are emblematic of the style of the masters of Bakheng sculpture.

Provenance : Private collection, France.
Acquired at the gallery Orient Occident in 1999.