About this stamp
A Masterpiece of Religious Art in India
The St. Aloysius College Chapel paintings are among the finest examples of religious art in India. Created over a century ago, these magnificent artworks reflect how fine art has long been inspired by devotional and spiritual experiences, making the chapel a true national treasure.
Creation and Artistic Excellence
The paintings were executed between 1899 and 1901 by Antonio Moscheni, a Jesuit Brother from Italy. His work in the chapel showcases exceptional artistic mastery through three distinct techniques:
- Frescoes (paintings on wet plaster)
- Tempera (paintings on dry plaster)
- Canvas panels fixed to the ceilings
Moscheni’s remarkable use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, giving the figures a lifelike appearance. The vibrant colours and delicate brushwork evoke a divine and spiritual atmosphere throughout the chapel.
Thematic Layout of the Paintings
The St. Aloysius College Chapel paintings are organized into a carefully planned threefold structure:
1. Life of Aloysius Gonzaga
The central ceiling and the wall behind the main altar depict the life of Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of the college. He renounced his noble status to join the Jesuit order and devoted his life to serving plague victims in Rome, where he died in 1591 at the age of 23.
2. Life of Jesus Christ
The two aisles of the chapel illustrate scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, as described in the Gospels. These paintings, spread across both walls and ceilings, are accompanied by textual descriptions of key events.
3. Saints and Jesuit Figures
The third section, located along the sloping roof and arches, portrays various saints of the Church and members of the Jesuit order, adding depth to the chapel’s spiritual narrative.
Inspiration and Artistic Achievement
Antonio Moscheni worked tirelessly for over two years to complete these paintings. They are believed to be inspired by the famous Sistine Chapel in Rome. Considering the vast scale and intricate detail of the artwork, the speed and precision of execution remain truly astonishing.
Recognition and Appreciation
The artistic and cultural significance of the chapel has been widely acknowledged. C. Rajagopalachari once described the experience of viewing these paintings as spiritually uplifting and transformative.
Similarly, O. P. Agarwal, former Director General of INTACH, praised the paintings as a “labour of divine love” and among the finest artworks in India. He also supervised their restoration in 1993.
Stamp and Commemoration
To celebrate this artistic heritage, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring a panel from the central ceiling that depicts the early life of Aloysius Gonzaga. The stamp was released on January 12, marking the inauguration day of St. Aloysius College in 1880.
The First Day Cover highlights the chapel’s stunning frescoes and oil paintings, recognizing their importance as a priceless contribution to India’s cultural and artistic legacy.
