Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c77.204

v2.c77.204

Two important points in relation to the aesthetics in the pictorial art still need to be expounded. Firstly all these rasas, though characteristic of only human beings—men, women, and children and in their likeness the anthropomorphic forms of the gods and demi-gods and demons—they have an application to all sentient creations—"Mānuṣāṇi Puraskṛtya Sarvasatveṣu Yojayet"—82. 13. This statement goes to the very core of the art and shows that if birds and animals in paints could be shown manifesting the sentiments, it is really the master-piece, the supreme achievement of the artist. It becomes a new creation, a superior creation to that of Brahmā, the Primordial Creator Himself. If it is through the symbolism of Mudrās—hand poses, bodily poses and the postures of the legs—the mute gods speak to us, giving their vent to the sublimest of thoughts and noblest of expressions, these so-called brutes can also become our co-sharers in the aesthetic experience. It is neither extra-ordinary nor supernatural about it. It is the marvel of the art. If poetry can create an idealistic world full of beauty and bliss alone, the painting, her sister must also follow the suit.