Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.12

v2.c8.12

This volume is devoted to the frescoes of Cave II only, and as on account of the occupation of the Cave in comparatively recent times by hermits and people of other faiths than Buddhists, the frescoes have suffered much by smoke and fires lit by these unsympathetic occupants, the reproduction of the paintings has been a very difficult problem for us. If it had been a layer of smoke only, the removal would have been an easy matter, but because of the heat of the fire and constant contact with smoke, the colours have perished in many places, and it seems to be absolutely impossible now to restore them by any scientific process. A great deal of damage has also been done by birds and the inclemencies of the weather, and in judging the plates included in this volume, I request my critics kindly to bear all these facts in mind. If some of the plates are found too dark, or indistinct as regards detail, the fault is not to be found with the photographer or with the process-workers, but with the charred surface of the paintings. Again, if in some plates unsightly scars offend the eye of the artist, he should kindly remember that we have reproduced faithfully the fresco as it is, the damage in the original having been done by birds or insects.