Joseph Stallaert (1825-1903)
VU SUR LE GANGE EN INDE, 19th century
Lavis, pencil and ink on paper
H 18,5 x W 23 cm
H 7 1/4 x W 9 inch
H 7 1/4 x W 9 inch
Signed bottom left: J.Stallaert
This delicately rendered ink wash drawing presents a tranquil scene on the banks of the Ganges, India’s sacred river. In the foreground, an Indian man draped in a traditional dhoti...
This delicately rendered ink wash drawing presents a tranquil scene on the banks of the Ganges, India’s sacred river. In the foreground, an Indian man draped in a traditional dhoti walks pensively along the riverbank, his right hand resting on his chest in a gesture suggesting devotion and contemplation. To the left rises a small temple structure with a niche containing a Ganesh - statue, while further figures perform ritual ablutions in the river. In the distance, boats and sailing vessels animate the placid surface of the water, enveloped in a softly diffused light.
The composition conveys serenity and harmony. Through a refined use of line and a restrained sepia palette, Stallaert evokes an exotic landscape that combines careful observation with poetic idealisation.