Grey schist

Gandhara , 4th century

Dimensions: Height 10,5 cm Wide 9 cm Depth 2 cm with base

Weight: 299 grams with base

Images of Atlas, a Greek god, were found in Indo-Greek centers like Hadda and elsewhere in Gandhara.

Atlas is one of the titans of Greek mythology who was condemned to support the heavens for eternity.

In the Graeco-Buddhistic art of Gandhara this pose was used as support figures on the bases of stupas or reliefs.

In classical art the atlantes are never winged, also this is typical Gandhara.

The wild hair and beard are classical features resembling a Hercules-like image.

The imagery combines features from Atlas, Hercules and Vajrapani with the seated position.

Wearing a loincloth and seated on a pillow, the right arm wrapped around his knee while the left hand is resting on his thigh.