A RED SANDSTONE HEAD OF VISHNU, GUPTA PERIOD Northern 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.