Studies in Indian Art c12.s12.3

c12.s12.3

But in spite of some traces of a known formula in the facial expression, the Budapest head no doubt represents a secular figure. On the other hand, the identification of the Mathura head with its ribbed cap and frizzled locks is of interest for religious iconography. The figure does not appear to be an attempt to portray from life. The style indicates affinities with Sūrya iconography. The nearest parallel is the head and bust No. D. 1 in the Mathura Museum, wearing an almost similar *kulah* cap, and also having frizzled locks on the nape, and a short beard covering the chin. [Cf. Journal of the India Society of Oriental Art, 1937, Brahmanical Images in Mathura, p. 129, Plate XV, fig. 4.] These figures show considerable Sassanian influence in the matter of drapery, and Dr. Hackin observed the same thing with regard to the marble Sun image discovered from Khair Khaneh near Kabul [Cf. Memoir on the Researches at Khair Khaneh, p. 13.] indicating adoptation of a foreign style in the drapery of the solar images of the fourth century A.D.