Indian Antiquities

Hunting Scene, Tomasso Colonnello

Location: Ashok Mandap

The frescos in the Ashok Mandap were conceived with European motifs but these were converted into splendid representations of Persian grandeur under Lady Willingdon. In continuation with the splendour of the central painting of Fath Ali Shah with his twenty two sons, more hunting scenes were added throughout the ceiling in various forms.

Representations of varied animals and birds amidst medallions of Persian motifs are painted. The central medallion is embellished with floral motifs, entwined with circular creepers. Buds and blossomed flowers dominate in a circular arrangement, while the four sides of this medallion show intricately painted vine leaves.

Four seated lions with their upturned heads form a repeated motif around the central medallion, while standing antelopes and deers form another motif of this fresco. Teaming flora and fauna with chirping birds entwined with rosettes attribute alluring charm to this pictorial in bright colour palette. It is enveloped with flowering motifs on all four sides, encased within geometric shapes. The whole composition is conceived within a broad double border with cartouches, joined together with floral motifs. A frieze of Persian calligraphy forms the second border of this pictorial hunting scene.