Fake Painting of Buddha Gautama
These two pictures are the source of an internet legend that is being shared.
When we translate the Chinese and English characters on the pictures, we will see the story written and the historical truth as follows (When Buddha Shakyamuni was 41 years old, his disciple Purna painted a portrait of his teacher. The portrait is currently kept in the Royal Museum in England and is considered a British national treasure).
Although the description seems to have a clear source, based on archaeology and museum records, this article is completely fabricated
1. Not in the British Museum The British Museum has repeatedly confirmed and denied that they do not have such an ancient painting or painting in the museum's collection.
2. The art technique is different from the era, shoes and paper/silk 2,500 years ago in northern India, there was no modern technique of painting watercolor on paper or canvas like the one in this picture. This is a 20th century style painting using European light and shadow techniques, not ancient Indian art.
3. History of Buddhist Art During the first 400 to 500 years after the Buddha's Parinirvana, no one dared to paint or sculpt the Buddha's face due to the utmost respect for the formless nature and the transition to Nirvana.
Where did this painting come from?
This painting was originally a modern work of art by an artist (circa 20th century) who imagined the face of Buddha Siddhartha in an Indian style (with wavy hair, beard, and royal earrings). Later, Chinese and English characters were added underneath, creating a story that it was painted by a disciple of Punna to make the painting look authentic and authentic, and the first original photo/image to be posted to attract attention on the Internet.
In conclusion
The writing on these two paintings is a fictional story.