Caption

Figures on an elephant under a gate in Madurai, Rich and poor (original title), print, The elephant is accompanied by figures with spears. The gate is decorated with sculptures. In the foreground, kneeling figures holding up their hands in a begging gesture., printmaker: Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp, 1917, paper, drypoint, intaglio printmaking technique, drypoint and plate tone in brown, height 303 mm x width 222 mm, contrast between rich and poor, beggar, city-gate, trunked animals: elephant, riding on animal other than horse, ass, or mule, South India, Tamil Nadu, Madurai, A sepia-toned line drawing fills the image with a central large elephant facing left surrounded by numerous human figures, some standing, some kneeling, and some carrying items, all rendered in fine, continuous outlines; ornate vertical pillars flank the scene on both sides, each decorated with carved human and animal figures and small architectural niches; above the elephant a group of smaller figures cluster under a curved canopy or umbrella, while on the left pillar a dancing figure stands on a raised platform and nearby a reclining figure lies beneath; the composition includes many stylized garments, turbans, and headdresses, as well as flowing drapery and decorative motifs, all drawn in delicate, uniform lines on a plain background.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26B24_255

License type

Rights managed

Available size

47.7Mb (9.7Mb) / 12.7in x 14.6in / 3817 x 4366 (300dpi)

Keywords

Figures elephant under gate Madurai Rich poor original title print elephant accompanied figures spears decorated sculptures foreground kneeling figures holding up hands begging gesture printmaker Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp 1917 paper drypoint intaglio printmaking technique plate tone brown height 303 mm x width 222 mm contrast rich beggar city-gate trunked animals riding animal horse ass mule South India Tamil Nadu sepia-toned line drawing fills image central large facing left surrounded numerous human figures standing kneeling carrying items rendered fine continuous outlines ornate vertical pillars flank scene sides carved human animal figures small architectural niches group smaller figures cluster under curved canopy umbrella left pillar dancing figure stands raised platform nearby reclining figure lies beneath composition includes stylized garments turbans headdresses well flowing drapery decorative motifs drawn delicate uniform lines plain background