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Bringing the bodies of the prince and princess to the funeral tower

Elfrida Tharle-Hughes

1923

paint

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Early Modern

Dominant colour

Bringing the bodies of the prince and princess to the funeral tower is a 1923 paint by Elfrida Tharle-Hughes, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Elfrida Tharle-Hughes
When & what style?: 1923
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a colorful scene of people gathered around a tall, ornate tower. The tower is decorated with many layers and flags, and a large white banner with red designs hangs down from it. In the foreground, people are standing and sitting, some carrying objects or wearing baskets on their heads. In the background, there are palm trees and buildings, and the sky is blue with white clouds. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of celebration and ceremony. The painting is a beautiful example of Elfrida Tharle-Hughes' work, and you can learn more about her by exploring the artist Tharle-Hughes, Elfrida.

The story of this work

Overview

The work illustrates a segment of the cremation rites transporting the prince and princess to the funeral tower. It belongs to a set of watercolours by Elfrida Tharle-Hughes documenting the 1923 ceremonies in Bangli, Bali, executed in London from on-site sketches for a 1925 exhibition.

Read the full account in the museum source.