Four Yoginis Analysis

The Four Yoginis, created in 800CE, is a sculpture that hails from Uttar Pradesh, India. At first sight this work appears to be rather commonplace and plain. There isn’t much about this piece that calls the viewers attention. There are no colors painted to the surface, which is a plain stone. This sculpture seems to have some religious connotation. Religion seems a likely explanation as Indian culture promotes a polytheistic culture. This ideal is readily seen in this work, made apparent by the figures, their physical features and the objects around them.
There is a solid back to this work suggesting this piece was not meant to be viewed in the round. The horizontal composition also suggests this work was part of a structure. Formal
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These figures are almost identical in size. The most distinguishing features are what each figure is holding. This overall repetition creates a visual unity and harmony. This repetition can also draw attention to the differences within each figure. By placing the figures so close together, the spacing of the figures adds to the tension between repetition and individuality. These figures are static, there is no motion implied in their posing.
The repetitious use of static figures placed so closely together creates an calming effect. These formal elements further suggest that this sculpture carries religious value.
Perhaps the most important element of design used within the Four Yoginis is the implementation of repetitious forms. This is exemplified in the individual figures represented.
Individual design elements support the repetition found within the whole of the piece. These design elements create a visual harmony. Readily apparent formal qualities such as line, shape, and mass draw attention to what would otherwise be a homogenous work. As implied previously, this sculpture, which is likely religious in nature, creates a feeling of calm and meditation, emotions that were hopefully intended by the original