Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c8.75

c8.75

Though they are far from being the best Indian sculpture, there is much beautiful work in them. The traditions of Sanchi are upheld in the most delightful studies of animal life, combined with extremely beautiful conventionalised ornament. The most varied and difficult movements of the human figure are drawn and modelled with great freedom and skill. The action and grouping of the figures are singularly animated, sometimes to an exaggerated degree. In skilful composition they far surpass the contemporary school of Gandhara, and, although the sentiment seems sometimes forced and artificial, it is much more genuine than the conventional, smug pietism of the Græco-Roman or Indo-Roman sculptures.