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19th century

Tantric Painting of Garuda

Artist/maker unknown

Garuda, the mythical bird depicted here, is the vehicle of the god Vishnu. Images of various goddesses appear on his human torso, bird legs, and wings. This painting may have been part of a set relating to the Hindu religious tradition known as Tantra. It would have been used to support meditation by tantric practitioners seeking to attain superior knowledge of the divine through secret magical practices.

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Artist/maker unknown, Tantric Painting of Garuda, 19th century | Philadelphia Art Museum