La Scène

One of the greatest exponents of watercolour wash painting, Shyamal Dutta Ray was a master at making subtle socio-political comments through his works. In this watercolour, titled La Scène, he fixes his gaze on a pandal—a temporary decorative shed for public functions—being prepared for an important event with a throne chair, a vase of tuberoses and a blue, silk tablecloth. A worker peeps from behind the curtain, and another stands at the left, who would soon have to disappear once the dignitaries arrive—a comment on social disparities and the pains taken to please the privileged few.