The featured artwork is an untitled piece by Asit Kumar Haldar (1890-1964), a prominent Indian painter associated with the Bengal school. This work portrays a contemplative banjaran, or gypsy girl, adorned in vibrant garments and silver jewelry. Haldar, born in Jorasanko, Calcutta, was a grand-nephew of Rabindranath Tagore and trained under Abanindranath Tagore. The painting exemplifies his distinctive style with its lyrical quality and expert use of wash technique. Haldar's works are part of notable collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. This image is currently available on Bid & Hammer.
The Abanindranath Tagore Gallery 2 is another exhibition space at ICCR Kolkata. Featuring various works by Tagore, this gallery contributes to the appreciation of his contributions to Indian art. It is designed to provide a comprehensive view of Tagore’s artistic journey.
The "Vishnu of Mathura" is a stunning ancient artifact from the 5th century, showcasing the exquisite artistry of the Gupta period. This remarkable sculpture was unearthed in Mathura, a city renowned for its historical and cultural significance in India. The Vishnu statue exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and spiritual richness of Gupta art, characterized by its intricate detailing and serene expression. Currently, this remarkable piece is showcased on Wikipedia, serving as a digital testament to its enduring legacy. The Vishnu of Mathura remains a significant cultural emblem, reflecting the artistic excellence of its time and the spiritual devotion of its creators.
The Standing Buddha, a bronze figure from the Post-Gupta Period, India, dates back to approximately the 7th century CE. This exquisite piece of classical Indian artwork was discovered in India and exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship of the era. Currently, it is part of the Samuel Eilenberg Collection and is housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Standing at 11 cm high, this sculpture represents the Buddha offering protection, a common theme in Buddhist iconography. The detailed carved relief and the serene expression on the Buddha's face highlight the spiritual and artistic significance of this ancient artifact.
The image depicts a statue of Vaddadi Papaiah, a renowned Indian painter and illustrator born on September 10, 1921, in Srikakulam, Srikakulam district. Known for his contributions to Telugu magazines, particularly the children's magazine 'Chandamama,' Papaiah's artistic career began at a young age, influenced by his father, a drawing teacher. He produced numerous illustrations inspired by Hindu mythology and Sanskrit plays. The statue is currently featured on his Wikipedia page, celebrating his legacy. Vaddadi Papaiah passed away on December 30, 1992, in Srikakulam, leaving a lasting impact on Indian art and children's literature.
The 'Buddha Offering Protection' is a captivating ancient artifact from India, probably Bihar, dating back to the late 6th to early 7th century during the Gupta period. This exquisite copper alloy sculpture, standing 18.5 inches tall, portrays the Buddha in a serene and ethereal state, adorned in the simple uncut cloth of a monk. Iconographic features such as attenuated earlobes, a protruding skull, and webbed fingers signify his preordained sanctity. Currently, this masterpiece is housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and can be viewed in Gallery 236. Visit [The Met](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/38965) for more information.
The image showcases the exquisite paintings of the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Maharashtra, India. These ancient artworks date back to between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the period. The Ellora Caves, an impressive monastic complex, exhibit a blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religious art and architecture. The vibrant murals and intricate carvings seen in the photograph are prime examples of the craftsmanship of the era. Currently, the image is available on ResearchGate, providing a digital window into the stunning historical artistry of the Ellora Caves.
Departure of Prince Siddhartha is a vivid color lithograph that captures the moment Prince Siddhartha leaves on his spiritual journey. The artwork, rooted in ancient Buddhist traditions, was discovered in the region associated with the historical Buddha. Currently, this piece is archived on Media Storehouse.
A vibrant depiction of a Bhil woman under the Shimbul tree, showcasing Indian folk traditions.
"Lotus Pond with Silver Grass" (2020) by A. Ramachandran captures the serene beauty of a lotus pond interspersed with silver grass. Created in 2020, this artwork is currently exhibited at the Vadehra Art Gallery. The painting exemplifies Ramachandran’s mastery in depicting nature's tranquility through vibrant and intricate details.
The image showcases the painting "Glow of Hope" by S.L. Haldankar, a masterpiece from the early 20th century. Created in India, this watercolor artwork reflects Haldankar's exceptional skill. The painting is currently housed in the Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery in Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore.
The artwork titled Vishvarupa by Y. G. Srimati, created in the early 1940s, is an exquisite watercolor on paper. This piece, reflecting Srimati's sophisticated compositional skills and empathy for the Indian rural masses, originates from Chennai, India. Although not currently on view, it is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Srimati, whose career began in her teens, was influenced by her contemporaries, including Amrita Sher-Gil. The Vishvarupa illustrates her mature artistry and profound cultural connection, highlighting her significant contributions to Indian art.
The Gupta period, often referred to as the Golden Age of India, is characterized by significant advancements in arts, science, and culture, with numismatic art being one of its notable achievements. The coins from this era, often made of gold and silver, feature intricate designs, inscriptions, and depictions of deities and rulers, reflecting the socio-political environment of the time. This image captures a collection of coins that symbolizes the wealth and artistic excellence of the Gupta Empire, showcasing the high standards of craftsmanship and the importance of coinage in trade and economy during the period.
The artwork titled "Untitled" by the renowned Pakistani artist M. A. R. Chughtai, created between 1965-1975, exemplifies his unique style and cultural heritage. Born in 1897 and active until 1975, Chughtai's work is celebrated for its intricate details and vibrant colors, reflecting the rich traditions of South Asian art. This particular piece was found in Pakistan and is currently housed at Eye For Art in Houston. With a career spanning several decades, Chughtai has garnered a significant following, and his works continue to be highly sought after and admired in galleries worldwide.
The image titled 'Buddha granting protection' is a striking representation of Buddhist art from the Vakataka dynasty, dated to the late 5th century. This brass sculpture, standing at 64.5 cm in height, was found at Phophnar Kala in Madhya Pradesh, India. The inscription suggests it was a gift from Nagachari Vira. The artifact is now housed in the National Museum of India in New Delhi, cataloged as L.565. Its understated simplicity, featuring an umbrella post and cherubs, resonates with the aesthetic of the Ajanta murals from the same period. For more details, visit ResearchGate.
The 'Seabed Explorations Map' is an intriguing artifact housed in Tilman Walterfang's private collection. This artifact, crafted during an unspecified period, offers a glimpse into the maritime exploratory practices of ancient civilizations. Discovered in a significant underwater excavation, the map represents an invaluable find in the realm of nautical archaeology, offering insights into the cartographic skills and geographical knowledge of its creators. Though the precise location where it was found remains unspecified, its preservation in a private collection underscores its rarity and historical importance. The map is a testament to the artistry and technical prowess of its time, showcasing detailed renderings of oceanic pathways and coastal outlines. Currently part of Tilman Walterfang's collection, this piece remains a vital link to understanding the navigational methodologies of the past, serving as a bridge connecting modern-day scholars with the oceanic endeavors of ancient mariners.
The artwork titled "Chughtai Holi" by M. A. R. Chughtai depicts a woman in a side profile, with a bare breast peeking out from her clothes and her disheveled hair open. The woman lifts her hair as if to tie it to a _jaali_ (screen), symbolizing a sacred offering for the return of her lover. The design of the screen resonates with the pattern of her clothes, set against a distinctly Islamic architectural backdrop where a lamp provides both light and hope. Created between 1899 and 1975, this piece is currently housed in the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
