Indian Antiquities

Procession, Tomasso Colonnello, Oil on Canvas

Location: Ashok Mandap

Taking encouragement from the central painting, meandering floral motifs were extended throughout by a team of twelve Indian painters working under Tomasso’s supervision, painting directly with oil colours on the ceiling. A variety of animals entwined within floral motifs, creepers and arabesques occupy the rest of the ceiling. Prepared canvas (75’x16’), were pasted on the walls and then painted upon.

The paintings on walls correspond to a royal procession with a King and Queen seated in their carriage along with other people. A fleet of horses and camels with ornamental harnesses precede these triumphal dignitaries. All the forms are seen in a forward movement which highlight the workmanship of the artists in portraying the details.

While crossing diverse regions and architectural elements, attention is invited towards white lions, tigers and leopards pouncing on antelopes amalgamated with scenes of hunting, feasting and repose. Intricate floral patterned borders were supplemented later as an embellishment.