The deity Shiva, one of a pair

Strong, serene, and tender, the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati are represented as idealized and yet approachable.

The third eye in the middle of the forehead of the male figure identifies him as Shiva. His wife is Parvati. Both these deities are sometimes shown as supernatural forms with multiple arms, and both have violent and frightening guises as well. Here, however, we see them as a graceful young man and woman.

Before and after the era of these sculptures, artists in ancient Cambodia usually accentuated the awesome power and remoteness of the gods. In the late 900s, however, and continuing for some time, gentleness and sensitivity were often emphasized. Notice here the carefully calculated contrast of minutely textured clothing and jewelry with the expanses of smooth, soft skin. You will see more fine details of the garments by walking around the figures. On the back of the female figure near the hem some traces of reddish pigment remain, suggesting that the figures’ garments were  once colored.

Video: The Divine Royal Couple: Shiva and Parvati from Angkor (Part 1 of 2): http://youtu.be//aConme48W4k
Video: The Divine Royal Couple: Shiva and Parvati from Angkor (Part 2 of 2): http://youtu.be/iHMCA28leKU

Forrest McGill, Senior Curator of South and Southeast Asian Art at the Asian Art Museum, discusses masterpieces in the Asian Art Museum's collection. A lecture presented by the Society for Asian Art on Februray 20, 2015.