2-742-011 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Standing Buddha, 400s. Sarnath is located near the ancient city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River and is identified as the place where the Buddha gave his first teaching. During the 5th century, artists developed a new and consistent way of rendering the Buddha wearing a plain robe that clings to the body, without interrupting the beauty of its contours. Detailing is confined only to the edges of the garment and the halo, with its scalloped and beaded border. Here his right hand is held down in the gesture of gift-giving.