Rome/Italy, May 20: A vibrant painting of the ghats of Varanasi became a symbol of cultural friendship between India and Italy when renowned Italian artist Giampaolo Tomassetti presented his artwork to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Rome.

Tomassetti described the painting as a “bridge” connecting the vision of an Italian artist with the colourful spirit of India. He shared that Modi appreciated the artwork and asked about the time taken to complete it. “It took a couple of weeks, more or less,” the artist said, adding that the Prime Minister praised his work and showed keen interest in his artistic journey linked to India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Artistic Journey Inspired by India
Tomassetti revealed that he had spent years studying Indian art and literature from an Italian perspective. He immersed himself in ancient texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Ramayana, creating artworks inspired by them. “I found India extremely rich in culture, sculptures and paintings,” he noted.

The handmade painting, titled Holy Varanasi, uses mixed techniques including acrylic colours to portray the sacred ghats of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganga. “It is very colourful, reflecting the vibrant culture of India,” Tomassetti explained.

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PM Modi’s Appreciation
Earlier, Modi praised Tomassetti’s decades‑long passion for Indian culture in a post on X. He highlighted the artist’s extensive work on themes related to the Mahabharata, including 23 large paintings created between 2008 and 2013. Modi wrote: “A glimpse of Kashi in Rome! Mr. Giampaolo Tomassetti, an Italian painter, presented his work on Varanasi. His passion for Indian culture goes back over four decades.”

Lifelong Connection with Mahabharata
Tomassetti first encountered the Mahabharata at age 17 through Peter Brook’s theatrical adaptation, sparking a lifelong interest. He later dedicated over a decade to painting epic scenes, including Krishna as Arjuna’s charioteer, Draupadi’s miraculous sari extension, and dramatic battle sequences. His works often feature expansive landscapes, intricate architecture, and expressive characters, blending Italian artistry with Indian spirituality. The presentation of Holy Varanasi to PM Modi underscores the enduring cultural bridge between India and Italy, adding a creative dimension to the Prime Minister’s official visit.