Royal Pachyderm

$35
Item Code: AA29
Specifications:
Water Color on Paper
Dimensions 9" x 6"
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
100% Made in India
100% Made in India
Fair trade
Fair trade
The Mughals were fascinated by the elephant. They were impressed with its sharp intelligence, faithful nature, and indispensability in the battlefield. Elephants were used for ceremonial rides, shikar, sport including the elephant fight and of course for the battlefield. The figure of the elephant imbued with realism, and invariably drawn rhythmic in action is associated with the classical Indian art tradition.

The caparisoned, ornate elephant is of majestic proportions. It is richly bedecked in a dark green underblanket and a Prussian blue overblanket with fine embroidery. Gold and enamel ornaments and headgear speak of its royal upkeep. Curling its trunk, it readies itself for a fight. It possesses a single tusk; the other one probably lost in one of the elephant fights. The trunk, ears and underbelly are shaded in pink. The subtle shading and textured surface revealed in the delineation of the creatures hide, wrinkles and roll of flesh - all carefully depicted - establish the artist's skill. Dark shading around the animal helps in uplifting the single composition into further prominence. Curling clouds with a little effect in gold, mark the limit of the horizon in the picture. Small tufts of grass are scattered in the foreground.

Precise lines and the judicious use of colors brilliantly capture the expression as well as movement. The surface brilliance, aided by the monochrome brown background, coupled with the acute observation is a perfect balance of naturalistic and formal concerns.

This description by Renu Rana.

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