Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c77.267

v2.c77.267

As regards the merits, the text lays down, “sweetness, variety, spaciousness of (back) ground (bhūlamba), proportionate to the position (sthāna) (of the figure) similarity (to what is seen in nature) (and) minute execution are mentioned to be the (good) qualities of Citra. (Oh) best of men, in works of citra, delineation, shading, ornamentation and colouring should be known as decorative (i. e. as the elements of visualisation). The masters praise the rekhās (delineation and articulation of forms), the connoisseurs praise the display of light and shade, women like the display of ornaments, the rest of the public like richness of colours. Considering this, great care should be taken in the work of Citra, so that (oh) best of men, it may be appreciated by everyone”. “In a work of painting, the ground should be well chosen, well covered, very delightful, pleasant in every direction and its surface (lit. space) should be well coated (lit. anointed). A painting should be then very beautiful when a learned (artist) paints it with golden colour, with articulate and yet very soft lines with distinct and well arranged garments, and lastly not devoid of the beauty of (proportionate) measurement”.