inde red sandstone Relief in red sandstone depicting a Shaivite guardian

Important red sandstone architectural relief depicting a Shaivite guardian, Bhairava likely North India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, 8th–9th century Important and powerful architectural relief in red sandstone representing a Shaivite deity with four arms, probably Bhairava, manifestation of Shiva, shown in a slight tribhanga pose. The deity holds in his upper right hand a trishula (trident), one of Shiva's major attributes, while the upper left hand presents a multi-headed naga. The lower left hand supports a kapala, or skull cup. The remarkable pairing of the trident, serpent and skull cup firmly situates this figure in the Shaivite iconographic sphere and strongly supports its identification as Bhairava or a guardian manifestation closely associated with Shiva. The figure is richly adorned with jewelry: pearl necklace, armbands, bracelets and large earrings. An upavita, or sacred cord, runs diagonally across the chest. The body, powerful yet supple, is treated with remarkable economy of means, while the face presents a particularly serene expression: almond-shaped eyes with lowered lids, strongly arched eyebrows, lips forming a slight smile and an exceptionally dense beard composed of small carefully sculpted curls. The elaborate hairstyle, consisting of matted locks arranged into a substantial ascetic mass, further reinforces the Shaivite character of the figure. Despite the fearsome appearance generally associated with Bhairava, iconographic sources also attest to depictions of the god marked by calm majesty. This feature is especially interesting here, where the powerfully Shaivite attributes contrast with the deep serenity of the face. The sculpture was probably not intended to be an independent cult image. The considerable thickness of the block, the largely rough reverse, and irregular breaks on the sides indicate that it originally belonged to an architectural complex of a temple, most likely a wall, a niche, or a sculptural program related to a monumental entrance. This interpretation finds a particularly relevant parallel in Stella Kramrisch, Manifestations of Shiva, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1981, no. 76, which published a fragment of a Shaivite guardian (dvarapala) in red sandstone, from Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh and dated to the 8th century. Kramrisch links this guardian to an architectural panel depicting the river goddess Ganga and notes that these sculptures were part of the same monumental ensemble. This parallel provides an important point of comparison for the architectural function, material, region and chronology of the present sculpture. Provenance: Private old collection of Jean-Marc Andral, Belgium. Acquired on the local art market in Rajasthan, India, in October 1990. A provenance statement written and signed by Jean-Marc Andral, dated July 21, 2024, accompanies the sculpture. Material: red sandstone Origin: North India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh Dating: 8th–9th century Height: 34 cm excluding base Weight: 13.8 kg excluding base Weight with base: 20.9 kg Condition: Very good overall condition considering the age and archaeological nature of the piece. Significant traces of wear and ancient erosion, losses, chips and scattered small blows, concretions and surface alterations. Several parts are fragmentary, particularly at the ends of the relief, in line with its former architectural function. The surfaces, breaks and areas of wear are visible in detail in the numerous photographs and must be examined carefully to fully assess the condition. Documentation: A detailed comparative and iconographic study devoted to this sculpture, including bibliographic research, museum comparisons, study of the iconography and analysis of the architectural function, accompanies the lot. video link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8t8uls4zfn0h6l3urc1g5/AADg5dbUhjHb6fA_lzKyXIM?rlkey=yaj24zitl5pwtk6t7cqwku7dx&dl=0

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