Shabdita Asthana

Saint Peter and Simon Magus portrays the aftermath of Simon Magus’s failed attempt to prove his point. The painting is made in such a way that the viewer can see the fall of the Simon Magus – the trickster and the charlatan. Simon Magus lies…

This painting is a depiction of the Lamentation over the Dead Christ, the heart-breaking moment after Jesus has been taken down from the cross and mourned by those closest to him. In the center of the composition is the dead body of Christ, surrounded by…

When I look at this painting, I see a story being told about our lives and how they are composed of the people, places, and events that impact us. I see the two large faces staring at each other as if they are communicating with…

The painting has a vibrant color palette which was widely used in Mughal miniature art form. The dominant shades of red are used for the throne representing power, the green canopy symbolizes imperial authority, the blue and golden embroidery work depicts the richness and wealth…

The element that acquires the attention of my eyes are the white robes of the devotees. They symbolize the detachment of humans from earthly desires (represented by the contrast of white robes and earthly tones). In the background, one can notice people with their cattle…