Main Differences Between Mathura School of Arts and Gandhara School of Arts-
(1) Origin
- Mathura School: No foreign Influence, however, later it cross fertilized with the Gandhara School. Its development took place indigenously.
- Gandhara School: Strong Greek influence. Was based on Greco-Roman norms encapsulating foreign techniques and an alien spirit. It is also known as Graeco-Buddhist School of art. Initially inspired by Yaksha Images Assimilating various traits of Acamenian, Parthian and Bactrian traditions into the local tradition is a hallmark of the Gandhara style. Initially inspired by Hellenistic features.
(2) Material Used
- Mathura School: Spotted Red Sandstone
- Gandhara School: Blue-grey Mica schist / Grey Sandstone
(3) Image Features
- Mathura School: Early period: Light volume having fleshy body. Later Period:Flashiness reduced. Buddha carved out in various Mudras. Not much attention to detailed sculpting. Buddha is stout.
- Gandhara School: Finer details and realistic images. Buddha carved out in various Mudras. Curly hair, anatomical accuracy, spatial depth, and foreshortening. Buddha is sometimes thin.
(4) Halo
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- Mathura School: The halo around the head of Buddha was profusely decorated. Images are less expressive.
Buddha with decorated Halo
- Gandhara School: Not decorated, generally.The images are very expressive.