Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s16.3

v2.c8.s16.3

THE arrangement of the subject is the same as that of Plates X a and XXVI; that is, a series of concentric belts enclosed in a square panel with figures in the spandrels, but the exquisiteness of the designs and the luminousness of the colours place this painting among the best specimens of the decorative art of Ajanta. The figures in the corners represent four beautiful cherubs (*Gaṇas*) floating amid clouds and bringing offerings of flowers from heaven to the Buddha. The artist has shown extraordinariness sensitiveness in depicting their movement, and the delineation of their hands and feet is marvellous. The drawing of their bodies is most refined, and the cherubs in their sweet plumpness resemble their analogues in the West during the Renaissance period. The colours are plain, red ochre, yellow ochre, *terra verde*, and lamp-black, but they have been used with such fine taste that the artistic effect is perfect.