An exquisite Sarnath image

• The Gandhara style produced a vast number of images and narrative reliefs between the first and sixth centuries CE. These were initially in stone and later in stucco, using moulds to multiply images (in the interests of increasing merit?).

• At Mathura the 'native' Indian style continued to produce sturdy, outward-looking images. Under the Gupta dynasty (320-550 CE) images were refined to a classical perfection which still reflected the robust qualities of the earlier style. A related school at Sarnath developed a spiritually reflective style with subtle, smooth modelling. This gradually became probably themost influential model within India and beyond. The bottom thumbnail is a particularly beautiful example of this style (linked to an enlargement and head detail).