Indian Sculpture c8.206

c8.206

More definitely than in the other compositions is the element of darkness introduced into the relief itself; the ground is perforated by grotto-like openings, which have no other scope but to allow darkness to settle down at the back of the relief. The irregularly cusped devices, above the rectangular recess of the figure of the attendant on the right, are meant to suggest clouds. Their flat rows but further underline the convex modelling of that part of the composition. Next to this it recedes concavely and accompanies the movement of the figure of the female companion, who, seized by terror, rushes into the depth of the relief. Unperturbed and poised in mind, volume and in its position in the relief, the figure of the attendant restores equilibrium.