Page 295 - Eye of the beholder

The painting depicting the bright sunlight has the subject of barges that has come up from the river carrying variety of goods and wares. These barges are typical in its local flavour having partial thatched roofing to provide shelter for the local traders as they ferry their goods across the river. There are four barges, of which one has already anchored and deposited the goods too, as seen on the bank in the left side of the painting, while another is making its way towards the shore. The other two barges almost parallel to each other are heading in the direction towards the right. The scene is populated with a number of human figures shown in various activities, creating an ambience of restless energy, which breaks the otherwise tranquil ambience of the scene.
A wall with three arched entrances at the farther side of the composition is constructed out of bricks and its parapet is filled with different coloured flowers which make it picturesque. Three men can be seen two in conversation and one walking. This part of the composition is ambiguous, which shows a triangular projection. Beyond is the white domed building, with red projecting eave or chajja and the structure flanked by two more buildings that has the red tiled sloping roofs. Two tall coconut palms rise majestically immediately behind the wall, with some foliage noticeable at the right side of the painting.
The painting has a quite majesty, enveloped within a haze of bright light that Ghilardi has captured brilliantly. The river flowing in the middle ground is very busy with the barges arriving and journeying to different destinations. Ghilardi has also taken delight in showing the bright sartorial attire of the men, with blue shirts and orange headpieces. The sky is bright
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