Painting is a way of exploring the external world, the reality of which is momentarily unquestioned. The epics and Sanskrit classics provide the artists various themes to draw from. The painted narrative takes place in a hermitage where Dushyanta in the guise of a hermit draws Shakuntala closer.
Shakuntala, on her part is coy and tries to resist his advances. The artist has used a tall, muscular, bearded and mustachioed youthful type with a romantic posture to fit the image of the hero. He has not taken the help of diaphanous clothes or bare skin to play upon the sensuality and fullness of the heroine's body. The tactile gloss of her costume and jewellery is eye-catching.
The painting is expressive and emotive at the same time. The tenderness on the man's face is so real, as is the desire, yet restraint on the woman's face. The gestures reflect the same emotion in a louder tone.
The artist has contemporarized the traditional folklore, especially in terms of colour palette.
The background constitutes an important aspect of the composition. The bamboo grove is full of mild diffused illumination and hazy vibrant foliage and the figures do not stand isolated from their surroundings.
This description by Renu Rana.
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