This artwork is a bronze Vishnu mounting on Garuda. It originated from Batheay, Cheung Prey District, Kampong Cham Province, and registered in the collection of the National Museum in 1919. Expert of Khmer art have determined that it belong to the 12th century of the Angkorian era. According to legend, Garuda and Naga were enemies. Then Vishnu selected Garuda to be his mount. Garuda appears on ancient Khmer monuments since the 7th century. During the reigns of King Jayavarman IV in the 10th century through that of King Jayavarman VII in the 13th century, Khmer artists began sculpting Garuda and Naga to appear together.
Since the 14th century, Garuda sculpture were erected as decoration at Wats and at the Royal Palace. They can usually be seen as column capitals or supports. This indicates, the continuing important role the Garuda has played in Khmer arts. If you wish to know the reason Vishnu selected Garuda to be his vehicle.