Buddha the Enlightened, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, is often depicted in serene, peaceful poses that symbolize wisdom, compassion, and spiritual transcendence. Born a prince, he renounced his wealth and sought understanding of human suffering. After years of meditation, he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha, or "Awakened One."

In artistic depictions, Buddha is commonly shown in meditation poses with specific hand gestures, or mudras, each representing different teachings. The most iconic mudra, the dharmachakra mudra, symbolizes the turning of the wheel of Dharma (teaching). His robes are simple and flowing, reflecting humility and detachment from material wealth. The Buddha is typically represented with an ushnisha (a cranial protuberance symbolizing spiritual wisdom), elongated earlobes (a sign of his renunciation of royal life), and a serene, compassionate expression that radiates inner peace and compassion.