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The Trimurti

Unknown

1891

photographic

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Gandhara

Dominant colour

The Trimurti is a 1891 photographic by Unknown, a Impressionism work, depicting Gandhara, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1891 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This photo shows a carved stone figure inside a dark cave. The figure has a smooth, rounded head with a calm face, and its body is wrapped in draped cloth. The rock around it looks rough and uneven, with other carvings peeking into view on the sides. This image was taken in 1891, showing a style called *gandhara*—a mix of Greek and Indian art from long ago. Look up gandhara to see more about this blending of styles.

The story of this work

Overview

The Trimurti is a rock-cut sculpture located in the central cave of the Elephanta Island temples, which date from approximately 450 to 750 A.D. The figure depicts the Hindu Trimurti, with the god Shiva represented in a single form embodying the roles of creator, preserver, and destroyer. The sculpture is part of a larger series of carved panels depicting the Hindu pantheon within the cave complex.

Read the full account in the museum source.