Roman Artistic Motifs Found on the Sculpture of Eastern Frontispiece of Abhayagiriya

Abstract

Ancient art is neither compact nor concise. It inspires and is inspired incessantly. Ancient Sri Lankan Art does not escape this truth. The presence of Indian influences such as Andhra, Gandhara, Mathura, Amaravati in Sri Lankan art has been discussed extensively. This paper discusses the Roman artistic influences on sculpture found at Eastern Vahalkada/frontispiece/Aika or Frontispiece of Abhayagiriya, Anuradhapura. The Roman motifs of candelabrum, cupids and griffins found at Abhayagiriya which is also composed of Acanthus foliage reminds us of ancient Roman art. This paper will analyze the said motifs extensively and it will compare each of the above motifs with the original forms and iconography to show the intended inspiration from the Roman artistic tradition. The analysis of the artistic motifs would then prove a possibility of cultural exchange between Ancient Sri Lanka and Rome which have rarely been discussed. This presence could not be missed, when it is supported by the historical proof of the presence of trade and political links between Sri Lanka and Rome. Hence, this paper will be studying a single case that will study Roman influences in Ancient Sri Lankan art and it will suffice to show that no form of art is exclusive but open and inspirational.