Head of Jayavarman VII

Preah Khan
Sandstone, 41.5 cm (16")
late 12th to early 13th century
National Museum of Cambodia

As a ruler, Jayavarman took full advantage of some exceptionally brilliant sculptors who propagated his image throughout the kingdom. His face, as seen here, reflects both power and humility in a subtle combination that identifies his visage with the Buddha himself - a masterpiece of aesthetic and political art, and of religious propaganda as well.