Hercules and the lion, From Mathura, 2nd Century A.D.
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Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham
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Further testifying to the fact that Mathura did indeed draw influence from the Hellenistic world is found in this sculpture of Hercules and the Nemean lion, a lively group of powerfully narrative quality, There has been some question as to whether or not the figure represented is truly Hercules, but one need not confine the discussion of the work to this iconographic problem in order to recognize its classical heritage or its distinctively Indian translation of forms, The proportions of the man's body are decidedly Indian in character: note the relation between the trunk and the legs, for instance -, and the subtle modeling of both man and beast are indicative of Mathuran sensitivity as well, It shows a marked advance over most Mathuran sculptures at this date, the end of the 2nd century A.D., particularly in the intricate juxtaposition of the two figures in space, -- Calcutta, Indian Museum,
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Basham Collection
Date created
circa 1970s
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This image is provided for research purposes only and must not be reproduced without the prior permission of the Archives Program, Australian National University.
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