GANDHARAN SCHIST STATUE KNEELING TELAMON INSPIRED BY ATLAS
Ca. 200-300 AD. A finely polished dark grey schist sculpture representing a kneeling Telamon, inspired by the Greek god Atlas, Greco-Buddhist art of Gandara Atlas is represented seated with his left leg crossed in front of him, on which his arm rests freely. His right leg is fully bent at knee level, with the foot firmly on the ground. His arm, bent at the elbow and raised behind his head. He is depicted with thick youthful tufts of hair and bearded with his head slightly tilted downwards; his eyes wide open, evoking an impression of thinking. He shows great musculature widely opened set of wings and would need it to hold the world aloft for the rest of eternity. A real triumph of Gandharan sculpture, Atlas captivates with the singular attentiveness of his gaze. He left thumb is cocked and alert as if he is ready to spring up and soar to the aid of a devotee, or perhaps in defence of the faith. Few sculptures communicate so formidably as the Classical legacy in Gandharan art. His mature face recalls the portraits of Greek and Roman gods and leads, while his herculean musculature evokes the athletic ideal. For similar see The British Museum Accession Number: 1880.183. Size: L:500mm / W:430mm ; 30+kg. Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art gallery; formerly with H.G. private UK collection; acquired in Japan before 2003; previously in a Japanese collection since the 1960s.

Estimate: GBP 1500 - 3000