Who painted Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 6)?

Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 6) was painted by John Griffiths in 1878.

Where can I see Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 6)?

Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 6) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 6)?

Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 6) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 6)

John Griffiths , 1878

Copy of painting inside the caves of Ajanta (cave 6) 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 19th-century copy of an ancient mural found on the ceiling of Cave 6 at Ajanta, India.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting is a 19th-century copy of an ancient mural found on the ceiling of Cave 6 at Ajanta, India. It reproduces one of the original Buddhist narrative paintings from the cave complex.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a jataka story, recounting one of the Buddha's past lives. These narratives were central to the religious and artistic significance of the Ajanta cave paintings, conveying Buddhist teachings through visual storytelling.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the copy aims to faithfully replicate the original's composition and detail. The style reflects a blend of traditional Indian artistic elements and the representational accuracy sought by 19th-century European-trained artists.

History & Provenance

Created by John Griffiths and seven Indian students from the Bombay School of Art between 1872 and 1885, this painting is part of a 300-piece project to recreate Ajanta's paintings after a fire destroyed earlier copies made by Major Robert Gill.

Context

The white patches on the painting indicate areas of the original cave mural requiring conservation, highlighting the fragility of the ancient works and the preservation motivation behind the copies.