Torso of a Male Deity, Baphuon style, Khmer Empire, 11th century. Sandstone. 98 x 29 x 16 cm (38.6 x 11.4 x 6.3 in.). © Jan Liégeois. Courtesy AXEL VERVOORDT at TEFAF Maastrich 2023

Provenance: Bonhams Cornette de Saint-Cyr, 25 October 2022, lot 66;
Jean-Pierre Rousset (1936-2021), Paris, by descent;
Robert Rousset (1901-1981), Paris, acquired from Peng Seng, Bangkok, 27 April 1965.

This elegant male torso represents an unidentified (Hindu) deity. The head, arms and feet are missing. There is a notable difference in weathering and patina between the front and back of the figure, with the front being slightly more eroded, particularly on the abdomen. On the shoulder(s), sides, back and legs of the figure, where the original surface polish is preserved, a difference can be observed between these surfaces - representing naked skin - and the clothing, which has been left deliberately unpolished to provide a tantalizing contrast of textures.

The figure wears a sampot, a traditional Cambodian garment that existed in many variations and remains popular to this day. Remarkable here is the delicate execution of the sash and the various elaborate folds that secure the rectangular piece of cloth, showcasing the artist’s talent for observation.

In comparison to the more ‘plump’ sculptures belonging to earlier styles, this torso displays a more slender and naturalistic sense of proportions, for example in the slightly elongated body and the narrow hips.

At its peak between the 11th and 13th century, the Khmer Empire directly or indirectly ruled over most of mainland Southeast-Asia, an area that today comprises not only Cambodia, but also parts of Thailand, Laos and southern Vietnam today, in addition to parts of southern China.

Khmer sculpture can be subdivided chronologically in a number of styles, each named after the temple complex that serves as its archetype. Regarded as the most important of these styles are the following: