The artwork, titled “Ivory, Apes and Peacocks,” is a creation of the artist John Duncan. It belongs to the Symbolism art movement and is categorized under the genre of literary painting.
In this intricate painting, a procession of figures and animals is depicted against a lush, dreamlike backdrop. At the center, an elaborate carriage led by a white elephant carries a regal figure, possibly symbolizing a deity or royalty, clad in intricate robes and flanked by attendants. The scene is crowded with a variety of beings including ethereal maidens, warriors, and exotic animals such as peacocks, apes, and deer, each contributing to the mythical and allegorical ambiance of the artwork. The use of soft, pastel colors and delicate detailing emphasizes the ethereal and otherworldly nature of this symbolic narrative.
