Figure of a Donor in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, June 2018

Figure of a Donor (Primary Title)

Unknown (Artist)

Date: 12th-13th century

Culture: Indian

Category: Sculpture

Medium: white marble

Collection: South Asian Art

Geography: Gujarat, India

Dimensions: Overall: 47 3/4 × 19 × 10 1/2 in. (121.29 × 48.26 × 26.67 cm)

Object Number: 92.162

This sculpture was one of a pair that depicted donors to a Jain temple. This religious affiliation is confirmed by the small Jina or Tirthankara seated in yogic posture at the apex of the composition. Jain communities in western India patronized avast quantity of religious art. The region's white marble was the choice material for architectural and sculptural projects. The bearded donor holds an elaborate garland in his hands, probably meant as an offering to the temple's main image. Standing in an exaggerated triple-flexion pose, he wears a short skirt, necklaces, armlets, and a distinctive chain-like cord. The scarf draped around his arms falls in whimsical corkscrew patterns at his sides. Attendants stand in attitudes of respect near his feet.

Text from: www.vmfa.museum/piction/6027262-107646208