KHMER, STYLE BAPHUON, MILIEU DU XIÈME SIECLE

The modelling of the body and the details of the garment appear to be characteristic of the eleventh century Baphuon phase. Typical is the exuberant butterfly arrangement at the rear bow of the textile passing through his legs. At the same time there was a temporary inclination towards a more realistic modelling, suggesting even a grace and elegance not seen before, as clearly visible in this fine male torso. As most Baphuon stone sculptures tend to be of limited dimension, this example seems to be an exception, and was perhaps once used as main image of an important temple.