Untitled
The Met
Artist: Unidentified
Date: ca. 1800
Department: Asian Art
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Ink and wash on J. Whatman paper watermarked 1798
Dimensions: Sheet (folded): 16 1/8 × 10 1/16 in. (41 × 25.5 cm) Sheet: 16 1/8 × 20 1/8 in. (41 × 51.1 cm)
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2021
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Detailed line drawing of an ornate architectural column featuring figures, animals, and intricate carvings
Detailed Description
This black and white line drawing on light-colored paper depicts a highly ornate architectural column, presented in a vertical orientation. The top section features a large, stylized bird-like creature with elaborate, feathery details, forming a bracket. Its head faces left, and its body is covered in intricate patterns. To the right of the bird, a coiled snake with a raised head and hood faces left, resting on a horizontal band. Above this, a narrow frieze shows small figures and animals in profile. Below the bird and snake, the column capital is composed of multiple tiers of decorative elements, including floral motifs and smaller figures. The main shaft of the column is divided into vertical panels. The left panel contains a standing figure with multiple arms and a crown, holding a weapon, depicted within an arched niche. This figure is richly adorned. The right panel shows another standing figure, possibly female, holding an object, with an elephant head with a raised trunk visible above, integrated into the column's design. The lower section of the column continues with more bands of intricate carvings and architectural details, including smaller figures and decorative patterns. The drawing is characterized by fine lines and dense ornamentation, depicting a complex sculptural style.
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