Abanindranath Tagore (1867 - 1938)

From the collection of Giles Eyre

Please note that this work is from the collection of Giles Eyre, not Eyer as noted in the catalogue. Very good overall condition. The colors are slightly darker and richer than in catalogue illustration. This painting has not been inspected outside its frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A noted figure of the Bengal Renaissance and the founder of the Bengal School, Abanindranath Tagore is credited with establishing the earliest brand of "Indian modernism," which rejected the Western 'Imperialist' precepts of painting in favor of a 'pan-Asian' philosophy of creating art.

Born in 1871 to the illustrious Tagore family of Jorsanko, Aban, as he was known, grew up in an environment that fostered creativity. Ever the iconoclast, Aban eschewed formal training in art from an early age. Later he took lessons from acclaimed English artist Charles Palmer, who encouraged him to adopt watercolor as his medium, and then became a protégé of E. B. Havell, Principal of the Calcutta School of Art, who encouraged him to seek inspiration from Mughal paintings, which represented his own heritage.

Aban's artistic style was crystallized after his encounter with Japanese ink paintings, which exerted an enormous influence on an entire generation of Bengal School artists. Aban achieved mastery in this medium employing pale color washes in an expressionistic manner to achieve a dreamlike lyricism in his paintings. The current work depicting his uncle Rabindranath Tagore lying in state captures the mystical spirit of the great poet-philosopher.  

This rare painting is one of two known works depicting the subject.