Monk

SRI LANKA

This artwork is painted by Harry Hemersley St. George, who was a lieutenant colonel stationed in Sri Lanka during the 19th century when it was under British colonial rule. He made many oil paintings during his time there, including some depicting local Buddhist sites and practices.
A monk in yellow robes stands within a Buddhist temple. He holds a fan and gazes into the distance with a serious expression. In the background, there is a niche containing a seated Buddha with a nimbus and a colorful mandorla. The Buddha sits in full lotus position and forms the dhyana (meditation) mudra. He looks downward with wide eyes and wears an unusually tight yellow monastic robe. Curtains and banners hang beside the niche, and an altar with offerings is placed in front of the Buddha. The painting has an uncluttered composition and a dramatic chiaroscuro effect. It realistically portrays aspects of Sri Lankan Buddhism.