[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Mediaeval Sinhalese Art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908) › c19.39 # Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c19.39 Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c19.39 - **Language:** English ### [c19.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.39) The memory element is in Indian art almost as characteristic as its consistent idealism. \*Painting\* As already remarked, the Kandyan artist carried in his head the elements of his art, and composed them as occasion required. His fault lay in becoming the slave rather than \*Idealism\* the master of the tradition thus transmitted; there have been many times in the history of Indian art when it has been otherwise, but eighteenth century Kandyan was not one of these high-water marks. - [Previous: c19.38](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.38) - [Next: c19.40](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.40) - [Up: c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.coomaraswamy-1908.c19.39) · Pramāṇa