Northwest Pakistan, Gandharan, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A finely carved, grey schist figure in very high relief from the Gandharan Empire depicting a goddess who stands in contrapposto with her left hip gracefully leaning to the left, holding her left hand before her torso and extending her right arm outward; both feet amusingly facing right. She wears an elegant himation, her coiffure in a stylish updo, and she is bedecked in a luxurious necklace with what appear to be shell-shaped pendants, and long earrings. Stylistically, the attention to the drapery, the sinuous, wavy Mediterranean hair, as well as the delicate delineation of her expressive visage demonstrate a great classical influence. Alexander the Great conquered Gandhara in 330 BCE and with the help of the Indo-Greek kings introduced classical traditions that would influence Gandharan art for the following seven centuries. A fabulous work that demonstrates a strong syncretism between eastern and western traditions. Size: 6.875" H (17.5 cm); 7.125" H (18.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private E.S. collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#126680

Expected surface wear with abraded areas and losses to peripheries; the back appears to be unfinished.