Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s6.12

v2.c8.s6.12

In the third episode, the scene changes to a delightful lotus-pond, at the edge of which the palanquin is placed, and we notice the green-complexioned ruffian and also the newly born baby, who has been set afloat in a cradle on the waters of the lotus-pond, probably by the ruffian. A lady is sitting in a pensive mood in front of the palanquin. She is evidently the mother of the child, and is smitten with grief at the loss of her baby. The painting of the lady is indeed a masterpiece (Plate XIII *b*), and shows what high standards of grace and beauty in the treatment of female figures the artists of Ajanta attained.