An Ancient Indo-Gangetic Anthropomorphic Figure, Uttar Pradesh, India, circa 1700-1200 BC. Copper, 17 in. (43.18 cm.) high Provenance: A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 2003. Courtesy/Carlton Rochell, New York.

ART News:

This remarkable anthropomorphic figure, originating from Uttar Pradesh, India, circa 1700–1200 BCE, exemplifies the artistic and cultural sophistication of the Copper Hoard Culture. Fashioned from unalloyed copper, the piece stands at 17 inches high and features a semi-circular head seamlessly connected to the shoulders, symmetrically scrolling arms, and splayed legs. Its minimalist and abstract design balances proportion and rhythm, embodying a dynamic interplay of motion and stability. The figure’s weathered green patina, a result of centuries of burial in a wet, sedimentary environment, enhances its aesthetic appeal with rich textures and hues that evoke a profound sense of history.

Likely created for ritual use, this object reflects ancient practices of offering votive artifacts in rivers or marshes as acts of devotion or supplication. Scholars have posited that such figures may symbolize proto-Vedic concepts, including the śrīvatsa, associated with Vishnu, or the vajra, the thunderbolt of Indra. Scientific analysis has confirmed the artifact’s authenticity, with metallurgical testing revealing trace elements like gold and arsenic consistent with ancient copper metallurgy. Comparable examples reside in major collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlighting this figure’s importance as a testament to the artistry, symbolism, and technological achievements of its time.

This artifact holds immense significance not only for its cultural and historical resonance but also for its universal aesthetic appeal. Its elegant form and rich patina ensure its place as a centerpiece of scholarly and museum collections, bridging the ancient past with the timelessness of abstraction and symbolism.

To learn more about this artwork, please flip to object no. 01 in our most recently published catalog for 2025 which is now available for view on our website, Heightened with Gold: Celebrating 50 Years at Kapoor Galleries.

This artwork will also be on display during Kapoor Galleries’ upcoming exhibition.

Please join us Thursday, March 13 for the opening reception of Heightened with Gold: Celebrating 50 Years at Kapoor Galleries. RSVP details and information about the opening reception can be found here.