Cat. no. 3
A grey schist figure of Atlas
Ancient region of Gandhara
3rd-4th century
52 cm high
Images of Atlas, a Greek god, were found in Indo-Greek centers like Hadda and elsewhere in Gandhara, well represented by a superb example in this collection (cat. no. 3). The muscular, bearded figure possesses a dramatic, expressive face with high cheekbones, wide eyes, and downward-turned mouth (cat. no. 3.1).
The soft surfaces of broken sections of this work indicate damage to the sculpture long ago, evidence of the many invasions and natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes) that afflicted the Gandharan region over many centuries. A short tang beneath the sculpture and behind the head indicate the figure was once attached to a larger structure.
