There is the direct and indirect influences of Greek, Parthian, and Roman art in Gandhara art are well illustrated in the representation of the Buddha figure himself.

Gandharan statues present Buddha dressed in a heavily pleated garment. The rendering of the drapery is reminiscent of Hellenistic, especially Parthian royal sculpture. The hair is worn in a Hellenistic wavy style. The facial features at times have an “Egyptianizing” severity. The bulging topknot on the crown of his head is called an uṣniṣa and symbolizes the attainment of spiritual enlightenment.