Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c12.15

c12.15

The reproductions in Plates LV., LVI., LVII., will give some idea of the wonderful distinction, delicacy, and charm, and withal masterful strength of this Indian outline-drawing, though there is in it an elusive quality which no process of reproduction can preserve. Apparently without effort and with the most simple means, his unfaltering line flowing in a never-broken rhythm, the Mogul artist gives us a perfect totality, full of form, character, and life. There is no weakness, no hesitation or attempt to shirk difficulties, so that one can share the artist’s full delight in the perfection of his technique. With all the sincerity, truthfulness, and perfect finish of the old Dutch and Flemish masters, these drawings have a delicate flavour of their own, a subtlety and sensitiveness which suggest the music of the Indian *vîna* or the sonnets of Hafiz and Omar Khayyam. And though they are only shaded outlines, with an occasional discreet touch of gold or colour, they are perfectly complete and satisfying as works of art, for the strength of the drawing gives them all the relief of a finished cameo.