Torso of a Female Deity

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Torso of a Female Deity

Place of OriginCambodia

DateClassic Khmer Period (802-1300), 1080- 1125

DimensionsH: 19 1/8 in.

MediumSandstone

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1961.5

Not on View

Label TextThe Khmer People dominated Southeast Asia from the 9th through the 15th centuries, centered in Cambodia. They developed styles of architecture and sculpture uniquely their own. The Khmer religion was a mixture and modification of Hinduism and Buddhism; this fragmentary statue probably represents a Hindu goddess. An example of Cambodian sculptural style at its height, the sensuous torso and the strong sculptural treatment of the skirt the goddess wears are indicative of the refined, elegant art of the region of Angkor, where the Khmer empire was based (see also the balustrade ornament from the same region in this gallery). The sculpture exudes a sense of majesty and austere serenity and clearly shows the artist’s interest in detail and volume.