RARE ET IMPORTANTE STATUE DE VISHNU EN GRES

This fine sacred image representing the four-armed Vishnu most likely dates from the Pre-Rup period (944-968). Its style borrows from earlier Bakheng (889-928) and Koh Ker (928-944) stone examples. The result is a technical superb sculpture being less hieratic than examples from these earlier periods. The body appears to be more elegant and less sturdy and powerful than examples from these mentioned styles. The continuing eyebrows above the almond-shaped eyes seem to be less ridged than comparable examples from the Koh Ker period. The rather simple knot to which the tiara is tied at the back suggests as well a slightly later development. All these elements together suggest that this great sculpture can be stylistically placed around the mid-tenth century.