Relief with representation of Atlas
This relief is part of the N. Chatzivasileiou Collection. It illustrates a winged Atlas carved in high relief in a porous and considerably soft rock, similarly to most Gandhara reliefs. It appears to have been influenced by Greco-Roman examples, and it is characterized by the limited ability of the artist to attribute the anatomical details correctly. In order for Atlas to appear seated the artist portrays only the wide and muscular upper part of his torso, down to the waist, along with his strong hands which are placed on his bent legs. The hips are not presented in the illustration. In this representation Atlas, whose duty is to carry the weight of the globe according to Greek myths, is winged. He is presented frontally, so that emphasis is placed on his strength and mass. At the same time, he appears to have a melancholic expression on his face, which is shown in ? view and looks down.