A SANDSTONE HEAD OF A SURASUNDARI, RAJASTHAN OR MADHYA PRADESH, CIRCA 11TH CENTURY
A SANDSTONE HEAD OF A SURASUNDARI, RAJASTHAN OR MADHYA PRADESH, CIRCA 11TH CENTURY
India. Finely carved, the celestial beauty with a softly rounded face and serene expression, marked by elongated almond-shaped eyes beneath sharply arched brows, a straight nose, and full lips forming a subtle smile. The hair is elaborately arranged in finely incised strands, swept back from the forehead and secured with beaded and foliate ornaments. Large circular foliate earrings frame the face, while the smooth modeling of the cheeks and chin contrasts with the intricate treatment of the hair and jewelry.
Provenance: Collection of Guy Maréchal, Belgium, thence by direct descent to his son Olivier Maréchal.
Guy Maréchal (1949-2025) was a Belgian entrepreneur whose unconventional industrial and financial career laid the groundwork for the formation of his Asian art collection. After beginning his professional life as an officer in the Belgian army, he went on to achieve significant success as an independent insurance broker. In the mid-1990s and early 2000s, Maréchal redirected his expertise toward the Asian art market. He sourced works directly in China and India, particularly in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, supplying French auction houses. Following a major health event in 2006, Guy Maréchal withdrew from commercial activity to become an author and public speaker. He published several works, including Rescapé de la Mort, recounting his recovery after a 51-day coma.
Olivier Maréchal (b. 1973) is a noted Belgian collector and dealer specializing in the arts of India, Vietnam, and Thailand. He began his career in the mid-1990s, learning from his father who helped him with his first purchases. He later managed Surya Gallery in Brussels, Belgium.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Wear, obvious losses, small nicks, soiling, signs of weathering and erosion, and encrustations.
Weight: 11.7 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 24 cm (excl. stand), 33.5 cm (incl. stand)
With an associated metal stand. (2)
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 13 September 2016, lot 263
Price: USD 18,750 or approx.
EUR 20,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A sandstone head of a female, India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, circa 11th century
Expert remark: Note the size (24 cm).
Buyer's Premium
30%
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
A SANDSTONE HEAD OF A SURASUNDARI, RAJASTHAN OR MADHYA PRADESH, CIRCA 11TH CENTURY
India. Finely carved, the celestial beauty with a softly rounded face and serene expression, marked by elongated almond-shaped eyes beneath sharply arched brows, a straight nose, and full lips forming a subtle smile. The hair is elaborately arranged in finely incised strands, swept back from the forehead and secured with beaded and foliate ornaments. Large circular foliate earrings frame the face, while the smooth modeling of the cheeks and chin contrasts with the intricate treatment of the hair and jewelry.
Provenance: Collection of Guy Maréchal, Belgium, thence by direct descent to his son Olivier Maréchal.
Guy Maréchal (1949-2025) was a Belgian entrepreneur whose unconventional industrial and financial career laid the groundwork for the formation of his Asian art collection. After beginning his professional life as an officer in the Belgian army, he went on to achieve significant success as an independent insurance broker. In the mid-1990s and early 2000s, Maréchal redirected his expertise toward the Asian art market. He sourced works directly in China and India, particularly in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, supplying French auction houses. Following a major health event in 2006, Guy Maréchal withdrew from commercial activity to become an author and public speaker. He published several works, including Rescapé de la Mort, recounting his recovery after a 51-day coma.
Olivier Maréchal (b. 1973) is a noted Belgian collector and dealer specializing in the arts of India, Vietnam, and Thailand. He began his career in the mid-1990s, learning from his father who helped him with his first purchases. He later managed Surya Gallery in Brussels, Belgium.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age. Wear, obvious losses, small nicks, soiling, signs of weathering and erosion, and encrustations.
Weight: 11.7 kg (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 24 cm (excl. stand), 33.5 cm (incl. stand)
With an associated metal stand. (2)
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie's New York, 13 September 2016, lot 263
Price: USD 18,750 or approx.
EUR 20,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A sandstone head of a female, India, Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, circa 11th century
Expert remark: Note the size (24 cm).
Buyer's Premium
30%
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
