Phantasmic Anatomy of the Statues of Mathura

The specificity of the images of Mathura lies in the invention of forms which can translate the diverse personalities of the divinities of the Hindu pantheon. The creation of phantasmic anatomy in the domain of imaginaire, instead of being monstrous, accord a perfect harmony between form and signification. The human figure, the basic form, is transformed into divine form. It is one of the great inventions of Indian art. The impossible associations in the real word create a very natural universe of Gods. The present monograph ends with the history of the reactions of the European travellers to icons which were so different from their classical ideal of beauty. It leads to a reflection on the problematics of perception and assimilation of form.

Contents:

Preface
Introduction

I. Multiple arms:
1. Visnu
2. Mahisasuramardini
3. Other divinities with multiple arms

II. Multiple heads and bodies:
1. Combination by vertical superposition
2. Combination by radiation
3. Sasthi
4. Compromise between the combination by vertical superposition and radiation
5. Two types of combinations invented in the Gupta period

III. Fusion of two bodies:
1. Around the theme of fusion of bodies
2. Ardhanarishvara
3. Harihara

IV. Replacement of a human head by an animal head:
1. Yaksini with the head of a horse
2. Naigamesa
3. Matrkas with animal heads
4. Varaha
5. Narasimha
6. Ganesa
7. General remarks on the animal-headed deities

V. Reactions to sculptures with phantasmic anatomy:
1. European reactions
2. Perceptions of Indian art
3. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index