Indian Sculpture c8.8

c8.8

1. TORSO of a statuette of red stone, Harappa. Third or fourth stratum. Back view. The obvious naturalism of the statuette, specially in this view, has a tough quality : it comprises the entire volume of the figure and makes it appear as if consistently kneaded. The vivacity of the plastic touch nowhere subsides, and the outline with its rich curves shows how the body is understood as a volume modelled throughout, in every tangible dimension of its surface, without the least constraint. Back, front and side view appear as if welded into one another dynamically through the pent up vigour in the surging of each curve. Although the body does not appear to be engaged in any activity, its force is rendered by the craftsman through the innervation of the surging flesh.