Monk preaching to a disciple with a lay audience, folio 2 (recto) from a Parshvanatha Charitra (Life and Stories of Lord Parshva) of Bhavadeva-suric. 1275–1300 · Study 1971.125.a

Context from the museum

The scene of a senior monk teaching his disciple emphasizes the importance of oral transmission of stories and knowledge. Both wear the white robes of the Shvetambara sect, have whisk brooms for clearing the ground of living things, and hold shields in front of their mouths to prevent harm to insects that might fly in while they speak. Between them, on a tripod, rests a sacred manuscript with letters written on the side and flowers placed on top. Below, two women and two men, possibly the donors who paid for the production of the manuscript, press their hands together in veneration.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

The book on the stand is called "substitute teacher" and refers to the monk's legitimate lineage of knowledge.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected overall measurement for Monk preaching to a disciple with a lay audience, folio 2 (recto) from a Parshvanatha Charitra (Life and Stories of Lord Parshva) of Bhavadeva-suri is 32.4 cm wide and 6.7 cm high, equivalent to approximately 12.8 × 2.6 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 4.84:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.02 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 10.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 133.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Monk preaching to a disciple with a lay audience, folio 2 (recto) from a Parshvanatha Charitra (Life and Stories of Lord Parshva) of Bhavadeva-suri in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, Gum tempera and ink on palm leaf, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this horizontal composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 32.4 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?