About this artwork
This stele epitomizes the distinctive style of the early Mathura school of Buddhist sculpture, characterized by its mottled red sandstone and such features as the Buddha’s twisted topknot, the diaphanous garment worn over one shoulder, and the supple modeling of his body. Here, the Buddha is portrayed seated in vajraparyanka (vajra posture) upon a simhasana (lion throne). He is flanked on either side by attendants bearing fly-whisks, while vidyadharas (celestials) hover overhead. The tree branches splayed out behind the Buddha’s aureole invoke his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of Asia
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Title
- Buddha Shakyamuni with Attendants
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Place
- Mathura (Object made in:)
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Date
- 95 CE–205 CE
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Medium
- Sandstone
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Dimensions
- 35.9 × 26.4 × 8.6 cm (14 1/8 × 10 3/8 × 3 3/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- James W. and Marilynn Alsdorf Collection. Gift of Marilynn Alsdorf
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Reference Number
- 2021.243
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/148394/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.