Artwork
Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 17)
Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 17) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist John Griffiths. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This oil painting is a copy of a mural from Ajanta's cave 17, created between 1872 and 1885.
About this work
It’s one of about 300 works made to preserve the originals, which date from the 1st century BC to AD 480.
This oil painting is an 1872-1885 copy of a cave painting from Ajanta’s cave 17. It’s one of about 300 works made to preserve the originals, which date from the 1st century BC to AD 480.
Major Robert Gill’s earlier copies were lost in a fire. To fill the gap, John Griffiths and seven Indian students spent winters at the caves for over a decade.
The cave complex was found in 1819 after being hidden for centuries.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This oil painting is a copy of a mural from Ajanta's cave 17, created between 1872 and 1885. It is one of approximately 300 works produced to preserve the original ancient paintings.
History & Provenance
The Ajanta cave complex was rediscovered in 1819. Major Robert Gill's initial copies were destroyed in a fire in 1866. John Griffiths and seven Indian students then spent winters at the caves from 1872 to 1885 making new copies.
Context
The original cave paintings date from the 1st century BC to around AD 480, representing some of the oldest surviving examples of Indian painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Griffiths (29 November 1837 – 1 December 1918) was a Welsh artist who worked in India, noted for his Orientalist works.
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