The colonnade in the Jain temple at Mount Abu in the evening 1876

Vasily Vereshchagin captured this colonnade in the Jain temple at Mount Abu with oil on canvas. Look closely at the stone pillars. Notice the intricacy of the carvings, each a testament to skilled labor. Consider the time and effort required to shape these forms, one small piece at a time, from raw material to refined object. The artist has captured the inherent qualities of the stone itself: its weight, texture, and color. These processes are imbued with social and cultural significance. They reflect traditions passed down through generations, the lives of stone carvers who dedicated themselves to this work. This connects to wider issues of labor, politics, and consumption. It challenges the traditional distinctions between art and craft, highlighting the immense amount of work involved in the production process. Ultimately, this artwork reminds us of the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding its full meaning.