3rd-5th century AD. A carved schist statue of resting Atlas on a pedestal with stern facial expression and groomed long moustache, crouching on one knee with his left arm extended and resting against the raised left knee, right arm positioned atop the right knee, supporting the weight of his naked muscular upper torso, elegantly draped garment across his midriff, hair arranged in neat curls falling on his back with a small top-knot; mounted on a custom-made stand. 9.8 kg total, 37cm with stand (14 1/2"). From the property of a London gentleman; formerly in a UK collection, acquired in the 1990s. The Atlas motif is among a range of imports from Greek and Persian art - caryatids, Ionic columns, drinking scenes, vines, acanthus leaves, Olympian gods and Dionysian revelries - which give Gandharan sculpture its unique flavour. The figure is derived from representation of the Greek myth of Atlas, whose task it was to uphold the sky; his thickset frame and stocky limbs indicate his ability to support any burden. Many examples of the Atlas figure are modelled with hands raised, or with a flattened upper surface to the head where an architectural feature was placed above, but in the present case the figure appears to be resting; it also does not sport the wings found on may other examples.