Original Impressionist Gandhara Buddha Painting, "Intelligence"

This intriguing and atmospheric acrylic on canvas painting is by Thai artist Rawat Vongla. The artist recreates an ancient Greco-Buddhist statue in hazy shades of rose, green and brown. The statue was one of the first representations of Buddha (1st - 2nd century AD), and was excavated at Gandhara, Pakistan. Such early Hellenistic interpretations, such as the figure's draped, toga-like garment, point to the Greek influence on depictions of the Buddha from that point onward.