Upper Half of a Deity or King

Art Historical Context

This enigmatic bronze sculpture, titled *Upper Half of a De or King*, hails from 5th-century Afghanistan and exemplifies the Gandharan artistic tradition. Crafted in bronze and standing just 4 1/16 inches (10.3 cm) tall, it captures the upper torso of a figure—possibly a divine being or royal personage—with finely detailed facial features, flowing hair, and intricate drapery. Produced by an unknown artist, small-scale work was part of the Samuel Eilenberg Collection, gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1987, and resides in its Asian Art department. Gandharan art, flourishing under the...