Many of the Early Bengal oil paintings were highlighted in gold to reveal the beauty of the subjects’ garments, jewellery—as shown in this Untitled work of baby Krishna with mother Yashoda. These paintings catered to the nouveau riche society of Bengal and were mostly drawn from Indian epics and mythology. The paintings are relevant because they allow us to locate how the traditional folk style was merging with European naturalism. Additionally, the paintings indicate the cultural trends in the society at the time.
published references
Singh, Kishore, ed., Indian Divine: Gods & Goddesses in 19th and 20th Century Modern Art (New Delhi: DAG, 2014), p. 180 Singh, Kishore, ed., A Visual History of Indian Modern Art, Volume I: The Pre-Moderns (New Delhi: DAG, 2015), p. 46
Early Bengal Oils
Untitled
late 19th century
Oil on canvas
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Early Bengal Oils
Untitled
late 19th century
Oil on canvas
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