Mahabalipuram: Sculpture of monkeys in round. 7th Century A.D.
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Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham
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One of the most charming details of the Arjuna's Penance sculptural series at Mahabalipuram is the monkey group executed in the round and situated not far from the main stone-cut sculpture. The treatment of this group reflects that of the reliefs
that is, it possesses the same silhouetted character even though it was conceived in three dimensions. A lack of precise detailing is also noticeable and may be due, in part, as has been suggested by some scholars, to the fact that some of the sculptures for this monument were begun and never completely finished. When we compare the monkey group to the other animals, however, it seems reasonable to suggest that they match in style with respect to conception at least, regardless of the possibility that they were just never finished. In any case, the character of the group is as organic as that in the main sculptural program, and the same understanding and sympathy of the Indian toward animal subjects are clearly evident.
that is, it possesses the same silhouetted character even though it was conceived in three dimensions. A lack of precise detailing is also noticeable and may be due, in part, as has been suggested by some scholars, to the fact that some of the sculptures for this monument were begun and never completely finished. When we compare the monkey group to the other animals, however, it seems reasonable to suggest that they match in style with respect to conception at least, regardless of the possibility that they were just never finished. In any case, the character of the group is as organic as that in the main sculptural program, and the same understanding and sympathy of the Indian toward animal subjects are clearly evident.
Keywords
Pallava-- Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) - Pallava, architecture, stone sculpture, slide set
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Basham Collection
Date created
circa 1970s
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This item is provided for research purposes. Contact the Australian National University Archives at butlin.archives@anu.edu.au for permission to use.
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