Indian Sculpture c8.239

c8.239

This is one of the most markedly mediæval sculptures. Linear and angular movements prevail. The entire composition consists of various sections which are dove-tailed. Their zig-zag (i.e. the broken-up and originally undulating rhythm) rests on plastic units, mainly cylindrical in shape (see the arms). The shuffling of the graded relief is given cohesion by the decisiveness of the various diagonal movements, and by the deep shade which accompanies and underlines them. The breaking up of the round movement into angles is clearly to be seen in the long garland (vanamālā) of Narasiṃha, where it is adjusted to his diagonally placed leg.