Indian Sculpture c5.s3.t2.34

c5.s3.t2.34

Diagonally thrust forth in an ascending curve, the head with its high crown slighty thrown back, the arch of the movement of the single figures is more or less highly strung (Figs. 76, 77). It is crossed by the heavy horizontal of the shoulders. The entire strength thus appears congested in the chest. From there the whole body appears as if suspended. According to the degree of the virulence of the action, the modelling of the body and curvature of the compositional arch are modified. This attitude is one of the favourite motives amongst the figures of the Kailāsanātha temple at Ellora. It may be slackened or speeded up. The various degrees of its innervation can also be measured with the help of the more or less detailed and strained modelling in the single instances (Fig. 77, the main figure and the small figure). Innervation, which had melted away during the preceding centuries, becomes noticeable again, although in a temperate measure.