Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v1.c5.s5.3

v1.c5.s5.3

THE subject has not been identified with certainty;⁵ but it is a continuation of that of the previous painting (Plate VIII *a*), as is apparent from its situation close to the latter and from the resemblance in the styles of toilette and costume to those of the figures of the previous story. To describe the painting: If we commence from the left side, first we see the figure of a grandee or general (?), wearing rich jewellery,¹ and in a state of great excitement, his eyebrows raised, eyes bulging out, teeth exposed, and right hand stretched out with the palm open, indicating that he wants to say something to relieve his feelings in view of the gravity of the situation. The bearing of the general has cast gloom and consternation on the beautiful inmates of the palace: two maids of honour, who are sitting in the corridor where he has appeared, look at one another in deep sadness. Their faces have been partly destroyed, but the features which have remained intact are extremely sweet. The head just below the general’s hand is particularly graceful, although the eyes are somewhat conventional; the artists of Ajanta evidently aimed at producing a meditative, dreamy, spiritual effect in their creations, and therefore they have painted the eyes almost half closed. The coiffure also of these two ladies is extremely pretty, and where the hair parts they have decorated their heads with pearl-strings. One of them, who is leaning against the pillar, is wearing a tunic of silk (?); its blue stripes on a white ground are very effective.