NANDALAL BOSE | Santiniketan

Private collection of Mrs. Zsolt, Hungary
Thence by descent

There are creases, irregularities and undulations due to the handmade paper and fragile nature of the medium. Discolouration is present on the bottom edge of the paper and upper right corner. A crease runs across the paper just above the centre of the work. There are minor losses and small holes punched at the edges of the paper, and the paper has been folded over at the top; there is also a large indentation on the left created by the mount. None of these losses or indentations are visible outside of the frame. The painting is in good overall condition, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Nandalal Bose is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Indian art. A student of Abanindranath Tagore, Bose’s art was popular for its 'Indian-ness'. In the current lot, Bose draws from both Rajput miniatures as well as Orissan folk painting from Eastern India. The arrangement of the picture into horizontal registers, stylised foliage and the treatment of the terrace evoke Rajput painting. Conversely the use of stylised dots and markings and geometric shapes to depict forms in nature is suggestive of the latter, an art form from Bengal’s neighbouring state. Tagore inspired Bose to paint like the ‘patuas’. Through this, Bose was able to satisfy his interest in folk arts as well as household art forms such as ‘Alpona’, something which is evidenced in the current work.  In this beautifully intricate painting, Bose depicts Kala Bhavana, the Institute of Fine Arts at Santiniketan. The school was founded in 1919 by Abanindranath’s uncle, Rabindranath Tagore, and Bose was subsequently invited to become the institution’s first principal. The painting school and its environs are rendered in an earthy colour palette, one which perfectly captures the pastoral atmosphere of Santiniketan and is classic of Nandalal Bose in all its glory.