Representation of Buddha`s human form amidst the lines and curves of Indian sculptures appeared much later than the construction of stupas. His presence was originally depicted by footprints, his birth was depicted by a standing woman, a tree was initially the symbol of his enlightenment and the stupa represented his death. It was in Gandhara and Mathura in the midst of the art of lines, carves and colours of Indian sculpture Buddha as human was depicted.
The Mathura Buddha is therefore just not a diachronic sculpture but a medieval Indian sculptural descriptor where Buddha is depicted as just not a historical figure but a figure worthy of bowing down. Putting a date to the origin of this standing Mathura Buddha sculpture is almost impossible however; historians believe that it was in the last century BCE - about 500 years after the Buddha`s death Mathura Buddha was sculpted in the Mathura style at the central India
The standing Mathura Buddha is a colossal statue wearing monastic robes. The transparent robes which is carved with circular lines once again points at his masculine body. The right shoulder is bare as the left shoulder is draped elegantly. Apart from the standing posture another Mathura Buddha sculpture represents Buddha in his Yogic posture. Buddha is seated with his legs crossed and hands lay in the lap. The robes, worn over the left shoulder and arm, cover a part of the chest and most of the lower part of the body. a twisted coil of hair or bun corresponding to the later cranial bump on the head complements with the yogic posture of the Mathura Buddha. The serene smile of the face and the pair of eye looking directly at the viewer makes it a remarkable piece of art. The soles of Buddha`s feet are turned upward and are marked with Buddha`s symbols.
The halo behind his head stands as the logo of his ultimate divinity and is delicately marked with scalloped design on the edge. The celestial background representing his enlightenment are treated with magnificent brilliance. The lively naturalism of the rres at the background of the Mathura Buddha once again reminds of the artistry of the Indian artists. The rich red hue of the scarlet sand stones spotted and veined with yellow further makes this Mathura Buddha a rare sculpture to define Indian artistry.
