A RED SANDSTONE HEAD OF VISHNU, GUPTA PERIODNorthern India, Mathura, 5th-6th century. The serene face with lidded almond-shaped eyes below gently curved eyebrows, the hair in wavy locks surmounted by faceted crown decorated with pendant beads and scrolling vine designs.Provenance: Indian Heritage, Paris, 2010. LP Collection Paris, acquired from the above. Established in 2006 by Frederic Rond, Indian Heritage is a gallery specializing in Indian and Himalayan art. Located in St Germain des Pres, Paris, it offers a large selection of primitive and classical pieces with a focus on Himalayan masks.Condition: Extensive wear and losses, few structural cracks, traces of pigment.Weight: 17.8 kg (total)Dimensions: Height 32 cm (excl. base)Mounted on an associated metal base. (2)Literature comparison: Compare with a closely related sandstone head of Vishnu in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, accession number 1942.498.