A serene sky in hues of blue forms the background. A bridge with arched passageways divides the composition. Distant mountains behind, seem to be sloping towards the left. A round tower rises along with a tree in distant view.
Following a rhythmic appeal, craggy mountains towards the right form a path for the group of women and a child who are engaged in their everyday activities. Towards the left, a sea breeze appears calm with a group of men, engaged in fishing amidst lush green environs. Sir George Scharf, an English art critic and illustrator attributes this style of painting to Francesco Zuccarelli, an Italian painter of the late Baroque period.
Winter scene with snow, Artist Unknown, Probably Late 18th century, Oil on Canvas,
Print on Art Paper
Print size: 34 x 44 cm / 13.5 x 17.5 inch
The Rashtrapati Bhavan contains a collection of four Chinese paintings which used to adorn the India Office Council Room corridors and were presented to Viceroy’s House in 1930 by Secretary of State for India. The paintings are believed to represent the socio-cultural fabric of China during the Qing dynasty, according to the 1931 catalogue authored by Sir Evan Cotton.
This painting titled, “Winter scene with snow” depicts a village ceremony, perhaps the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Swirling clouds and small snowy mountains can be seen in background. A circular procession of dancing villagers appears to be moving towards the central plane. Deep tones reflect European influences. People can be seen paying reverence to a temple with a characteristic Chinese roof. According to the 1931 catalogue, the empty blue sedan chairs on the left show that the priests are inside the temple. A performance is being staged towards the right of the temple pavilion and an ox stands atop the temple portico, reached through a flight of long horizontal steps. In the midst of this vast procession, a judge is being carried in a blue carriage. A circular banner in motion precedes this carriage. The temple ceremony seems to be followed by a military parade.
Invention of the Printing Press by Vivian Forbes, Oil on Canvas
Print on Art Paper
Print size: 34 x 44 cm / 13.5 x 17.5 inch
Born in 1891 in London, Vivian Forbes was an English soldier and painter. His subjects of painting were portraits and Sculptors, historical subjects. He studied at Haileybury and later at Paris. He was elected to the International Society of Painters and Gravers in 1925. He died in 1937.
This painting represents William Caxton who was an English merchant, writer and printer, at his residence in Westminster Hall. Caxton introduced the printing press to England in 1476. Forbes has avoided portraying Caxton his likeness as there was no authentic portrait of him for reference. Draped in a thick chrome yellow robe, Caxton stands in a posture of ease with his left leg in folded fashion atop a wooden stool. With his face turned in profile, he is seen examining a print, held in his hands. A crude printing press acts as another protagonist in this composition. Caxton’s headgear is tied in an informal fashion showing his approach towards dressing
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