Kandariya Mahadeva Temple - Essay Example

Art History Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one of the largest temples in India which is located in Khajuraho. The temple was built by an artist named Vidyadhara in the year 1050, based on Hindu beliefs. The proper title of the temple is Kandariya Mahadeva which was derived from the word Kandara meaning cave in India. On the other hand, the second word; Mahadeva is another mane for Shiva which is an Indian god. Thus, the temple is also keen on the religious beliefs of the Indian people. The historical significance of the temple is also added by the different sculptures that are built on its outer walls. The temple is surrounded by over 900 sculptures that covey different meanings about history, religion, and culture. The temple has applied an artistic feature of height and level in order to elevate it. Therefore, it is built on a raised podium with a flight of staircase leading to the foyer. The medium used on the temple is mainly marble on the inside and sandstone in the outside sculptures. A number of stylistic characteristics have been used on the temple; such as the good positioning of the sculptures in order to bring the out the full picture of the intended message. The artist chose a shade of light brown for the sculptures. This is mainly to represent the color of the Indian people, especially the women. Thus, through the art, the sculptures show that they represent the people and that they convey a message about the people. The alignment of the sculptures on the temple is also put in such a way that, the sculptures produce both an inner meaning and an outer meaning. The artist also applies artistry features of space and mass on the surface of the temple. This is mainly brought by the use of clear ornaments instead of using drapery on the sculptures. The artist does not emphasize on the use of space but he emphasizes on the mass. Thus, by using ornaments instead of drapery and veils, he increases the mass on the surface without considering the space (Kleiner, 21). The major subject of the art work is the sexuality and growth of the Indian women. The sculptures are designed stylistically to show the growth in women and to represent their beauty. The erotic sculptures also show the passionate interactions between humans along with changes that occur in human bodies. The artwork also represents the cultural influence of the Indians by using ornaments on the sculptures thus, showing how Indian women value ornaments. The artwork also applies religious styles by positioning the erotic sculptures in such a way that they appease evil spirits. Stylistic influences used in the sculptures include the use of good positioning and use of imagery. The artwork has applied imagery in the sculptures by using symbolism where different meanings can be derived from each of the sculptures. The religious style has a significant influence on the art since; it determines the major positioning of the erotic sculptures. Portrait of the Kangxi Emperor in court dress This is a portrait which was done by anonymous court artists during the Kangxi period, which was around the year 1662-1795. The portrait mainly represents one of the royal rulers of the Qing Dynasty. The medium used is mainly paint and silk, with paint being made on the silk. The subject matter of the artwork is mainly to convey messages about the countries strong dynasties and the religious views. Thus, a lot of symbolism has been used in the artwork to convey different messages. Thus, from the colors used and the pattern of art, different meanings can be derived from the artifact (Kleiner, 43). The major cultural context of the relic is the glorification of the Chinese art and to uphold their religion and the political ideologies. The artwork is also symbolic and metaphoric in producing its message. For instance; the colors used on the robes are bright signifying the peace in the dynasty of the emperor. In addition, the artwork also embraces the use of different patterns to signify the extent of knowledge of the emperors and complicated procedures (Kleiner, 15). One important message that we get for the artwork is the importance of religion and culture to the Chinese society. Through artifact, the artist has also managed to express the importance of Chinese culture to the Chinese society. For instance; use of the rare elaborate embroidered robes which were worn by the emperors illustrates the magnificence of their dynasties. In addition, use of silk to paint the portrait of an emperor also shows the importance of silk cloth to the Chinese culture. The artwork also has religious significance since; use of the silk cloth shows the importance of Buddhism during the dynasty of the emperors. The artwork is also spiritually important to the Chinese society since; use of ceremonial costumes such as beads shows the importance of the Buddhist religion. Thus, with the artwork, the Chinese people will be able to treasure their worship and spirituality. Religion is also shown by the robes that are worn by the emperors. The expensive robes are a sign of magnificence of the dynasty. The artist also chose the blue colors on the robes as a message of peace to the people. The use of expensive silk on the artifacts is also a sign of riches among the emperors in the Chinese society (Kleiner, 23). In conclusion, indeed the artwork has employed a lot of artistic styles to convey the full message that was intended. The choice of colors and the choice of the expressions of the emperor also conveys the period of difficulties and wars that the Chinese were just recovering from. The beaded necklace also conveys the importance of religion to the Chinese society and the importance of their culture. Use of metaphorical language is indeed important to the artwork since; it helps to keep the message hidden and clear to only those who can understand it (Kleiner, 45). Works Cited Kleiner, Fred. Gardner's Art Through the Ages: a Global History. 14th Ed. Vol. 1. N.p., 2013. Print. Read More