First image of the Buddha?

So there are some sources where the first Buddha representations were Gandhar, but then I learned about the Mauryan Empire, which included Ashoka.

They have an Aniconism in Buddhism period, but there is some controversy with that idea. I used to think that the Buddha said to not represent him, but then I read where he just didn't want that during his lifetime. So I'm not sure if it's true that there was an aniconic period.

Some think the first Buddha statue was in Mathura art instead of Gandhar, seen below:

Instead of this Gandhar one:

Anyway, these are 2 early images of the Buddha.

I find early Buddhist archaeology fascinating, but I haven't read the latest book that purported to be more authentic Buddhism because of archaeology information. I can't find the link now to the book.

SN22.87 “What is there to see in this vile body? He who sees Dhamma, Vakkali, sees me; he who sees me sees Dhamma. Truly seeing Dhamma, one sees me; seeing me one sees Dhamma." (Also p. 197 in The Life of the Buddha by Bhikkhu Nanamoli)


“ Can a shrine be made, Sir, during your life?”—“No, Ananda, not a body-shrine; that kind is made when a Buddha enters Nirvana. A shrine of memorial is improper because the connection depends on the imagination only. But the great bo-tree used by the Buddhas is fit for a shrine, be they alive or be they dead.”—“Sir, while you are away on pilgrimage the great monastery of Jetavana is unprotected, and the people have no place where they can show their reverence. Shall I plant a seed of the great bo-tree before the gateway of Jetavana?”—“By all means so do, Ananda, and that shall be as it were an abiding place for me.” Jataka 479