India, Temples No.1 (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirapalli) 1954

William Congdon's "India, Temples No. 1 (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirapalli)" (1954) is a stark and abstract depiction of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirapalli, India. Using a limited palette of browns and golds, Congdon captures the essence of the temple's imposing presence against a muted sky. The thick impasto and textured surface of the painting evoke a sense of the temple's age and grandeur, while the use of light and shadow creates a dramatic and atmospheric effect. The work is a prime example of Congdon's interest in exploring the spiritual and cultural significance of places he visited, particularly those in the East.