Head of Buddha Possibly 1 - 299

sculpture

stone

sculpture

strong focal point

frontview face

sculptural image

historic architecture

unrealistic statue

framed image

sculpture

vertical object

statue

This anonymous sculpture of the head of Buddha, dating back to the first three centuries CE, is a powerful example of early Buddhist art. The serene expression and the stylized hair, which is typical of this period, convey the Buddha's enlightenment and tranquility. The sculpture's dark patina and the smooth, rounded features give it a timeless and universal quality. This piece, housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, serves as a reminder of the lasting influence of Buddhist imagery on art and culture.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Alexander the Great invaded India in 330 b.c. conquering the ancient kingdom of Gandhara which occupied much of present day Pakistan. This brought northwestern India into contact with the Mediterranean world and, from about the first to the late fourth century a.d., there flourished a Gandharan school of sculpture in which a mixture of Eastern and Western influences is evident. Certain characteristics of the Greco-Roman sculptural style were combined with Indian motifs and iconography to produce the stone images in grey schist that represents some of the earliest sculptural representations of the Buddha. The head is distinguished by facial features derived from classical sources such as its wavy hairstyle and natural physiognomy. The youthful face, half-shut eyes, and pensive expression connote the young Shakyamuni's spiritual searching.