Procession (detail), Tomasso Colonnello, Oil on Canvas

A close look reveals the lavishness of the composition. The seated figures on camels are dressed in resplendent jamas. All the camels have ornamental harnesses.

Elaborate umbrellas with tasselled embellishments in gold complement the magnificence of the work of art. The middle ground with sand dunes and rough patches of trees direct the spectators gaze towards the architectural elements which form a splendid background. Embellished in gold and other rich tones, the colour palette invites attention to the detail in the composition. The architectural heritage of Persia painted here represents the finesse of the artists in reflecting the character of the region in a stylistic manner.

Domes of varied dimensions and decorated walls convey the magnifi cence of that era. Poetic renditions in frames form a repeated motif throughout the length and breadth of the composition. Elaborate floral patterned borders in shades of gold and other rich colours were later added to these paintings. The forward thrust of the seated figures lends vigour and movement to the composition.

Portfolio Name: Paintings in the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Source: Lalit Kala Akademi