Untitled (Union of Usha and Aniruddha)

Probably the most popular academic artist after Raja Ravi Varma, M. V. Dhurandhar chronicled contemporary society and scenes from mythology and history. Working in the realist, natural style prevalent at that time, Dhurandhar received major commissions from royal patrons. One of these was for sixteen monumental paintings of various mythological scenes from the erstwhile royal state of Chhota Udepur in Gujarat, among which was this painting depicting the divine lovers in an embrace. The scene is set in a palace that has characteristic Gujarati furniture and ornate details, probably inspired by the palaces of the patron. Both Usha and Aniruddha represent the ideals of beauty that were popular at the time.