The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c9.201

v1.c9.201

**Light and Shade :** Casual references have already been made to the plan adopted by Orissan artists of diversifying their walls by frequent projections with bevelled corners, and repeated chamfering, or splaying, and other devices, so as to produce varied contrasts of light and shade, and thereby secure the highest amount of picturesque effect compatible with a monochrome ground. This is a characteristic which, I believe, is peculiar to this country. The Grecians effected this object by their magnificent columns placed on high terraces, so as to set the whole structure in bold relief against their clear blue sky. The Romans attempted to secure it by introducing engaged pillars, which, however, though effectual in covering the nakedness of flat walls, were not sufficient to cast such strong shadows as to secure much relief. The Saracens failed completely in this respect. Their walls are the repositories of panelings innumerable, but nothing high enough to cast a strong shadow. In Orissa, on the other hand, the elevations and depressions of the surface are so bold and varied, that there are marked differences of light and shade, and yet they are so artistically and harmoniously united as to produce the most charming effect. On the surfaces of the walls, the elevations, as already stated (p. [ 41 ]), are produced by buttress-like projections with chamfered corners, and the depressions by niches; on pillars and pilasters by contractions and bands supplemented by chamfering and other devices; and on mouldings and ornaments by an intricate system of stops, scooping, and carving, which