SCULPTURES OF GUPTA AGE
During this period, Banaras school of art came into existence.
It is also known as Sarnath school of art.
• Sculpture of this age are simple, sober and grateful.
• They represent of synthesis of between symbolism of post-Maruyan period and nudity of early medieval age.
• Made of stone as well as metal. Gupta artists introduced Ekamukhi and Chaturmukhi Shiva Lingas
Sarnath school of Art
The Sarnath School of Sculpture arose around Sarnath. It was distinguished by its use of cream-colored sandstone and metal.
This school’s sculptures were meticulously dressed and devoid of any type of nakedness.
Many Buddha pictures in Sarnath have plain translucentdrapery
covering both shoulders and a sparsely ornamented halo around the head, whereas the Mathura Buddha images retain the folds of the drapery and the halo around the head is lavishly embellished.
A notable example: Sultanganj Buddha (7.5ft in height).
Other famous sculptures of Gupta period: The great
Varah figure of Udaygiri, Mehrauli iron pillar etc.
Image : Sultanganj Buddha