Champaklal Speaks

Sri Aurobindo on Paintings

1941-01-10

Purani was showing some Ajanta paintings. Looking at a palace scene of the king conferring with his wife (Mahajanaka Jataka, Part I, plate XVII), Sri Aurobindo remarked: “Oh, very fine paintings.”

He was also shown a volume of paintings by Van Gogh. Seeing Van Gogh's self-portrait, he remarked: “Very fine, excellent, wonderful. Powerful man.”

Then he saw the other reproductions in the volume and said: “The others are fine but his self-portrait is the best.”

On seeing a portrait, he said: “The expression here is somewhat like that of a ruffian.”

About a landscape he observed: “It is black and white; one can't appreciate it fully without colours. Of course it is impressive.”

He then saw other portraits and said: “The expressions are wonderful; very remarkable. His portraits are wonderful.”

1941-01-11

Purani showed some Ajanta plates. After seeing Plate XXIII (with the queen figure enlarged), Sri Aurobindo remarked: “Fine detailed work; remarkable. It is a pity that this thing is spoiled.”

Looking at the design of the ceiling, he said: “Very fine, very fine, very fine.”