Artwork
Heavenly King Virudhaka
Heavenly King Virudhaka is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1506 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work portrays a dark, formidable figure astride a dragon‑like creature, surrounded by a host of hybrid beings that combine human faces with animal bodies. These figures are set amid swirling clouds rendered in vivid reds, blues and golds, creating a densely populated yet orderly composition.
Subject & Meaning
The central character, crowned and bearing a long staff, appears as a heavenly king, suggesting a divine or mythological ruler. The accompanying hybrid figures may represent attendant spirits or deities, reinforcing the theme of celestial authority and the interplay between the human and animal realms.
Technique & Style
The painting employs bright, saturated pigments and intricate decorative motifs that adorn both the robes of the figures and the scales of the dragon. The use of swirling cloud forms and the careful placement of each element convey a sense of movement while maintaining visual balance.
History & Provenance
The piece is catalogued under the title "Heavenly King Virudhaka" and is part of a collection that includes comparable works at the Cleveland Museum of Art, indicating its relevance within a broader corpus of similar thematic paintings.
Artist & collection
