Gateway of Poonaka [Puna Kha] (1783)

Samuel Davis’s artwork titled *Gateway of Poonaka [Puna Kha]*, created in 1783, is a remarkable example of 18th-century landscape painting, providing a glimpse into the historical and cultural setting of Bhutan. This delicate ink drawing captures the serene beauty of Puna Kha, featuring the dominant architectural structure positioned at the center, framed by gracefully sketched surrounding buildings and the lush, detailed foliage of the trees.The composition centers around the fortress-like structure, possibly a dzong, which is a distinctive type of fortress architecture found in the Himalayan regions of Bhutan. These dzongs historically served as administrative centers and monastic complexes. The prominence of the building in the painting and its more detailed depiction compared to other elements suggests its significance to the area. Symmetrically placed flags adorn the roof of the fortress, adding to its ornamental and ceremonial importance.Foregrounding the fortress are simpler, humble structures, possibly local dwellings or utility buildings, which contrast with the grandeur of the central edifice and speak to the daily lives of the local population. The natural landscape is subtly rendered, with faint mountain outlines in the background suggesting the seclusion and remoteness of Puna Kha within a broader mountainous terrain.Davis's work not only captures the aesthetic and architectural beauty of Bhutan but also serves as a visual document, preserving the historical and cultural essence of the region during the 18th century.