Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c12.120

c12.120

Three young and high-born Indian ladies, in the seclusion of the zanana garden, are taking refreshments under the shade of trees on the margin of a lake. Their attendants stand respectfully behind at a distance. Unobserved and at their ease, the ladies throw aside their upper garments; they are cooling their feet in the water, and conversing gaily. Their skin is as delicately fair as the colour of the tea-rose, and their features pure and noble—the kind of beauty that Botticelli loved to paint. Their attitudes, suggesting the free and happy nonchalance of youth, are contrasted with the restrained and respectful demeanour of the servants who are bringing refreshments.