Female Devotee

c. early 100s

Female Devotee, c. early 100s. India, Mathura, Kushan period (c. 80 - 375). Sandstone; overall: 74.5 x 30 x 15 cm (29 5/16 x 11 13/16 x 5 7/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Jeptha H. Wade III in honor of Emily V. Wade 2012.19 This female devotee is depicted approaching the place of worship carrying a covered wicker tray that would have been filled with fresh flower garlands.The sense of dynamism and power in the stance, the masterful transformation of stone into the suppleness of youthful, voluptuous flesh barely interrupted by clothing, as well as touches of naturalism—seen in the slipping of the large bangle down the spiral cuff—are all stylistic characteristics of female figures made during the early 2nd century.