- 119
Ganesh Pyne
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description
- Ganesh Pyne
- Untitled (Krishna with Flute)
- Signed and dated in Bengali lower left
- Ink and tempera on paper
- 13 x 11½ in. (33 x 29.2 cm.)
- Painted in 1979
Provenance
Chester and Davida Herwitz Collection
Sotheby's New York, Contemporary Paintings from the Chester and Davida Herwitz Charitable Trust, Part II, 3 April 1996, lot 31
Sotheby's New York, Contemporary Paintings from the Chester and Davida Herwitz Charitable Trust, Part II, 3 April 1996, lot 31
Condition
There is a very tiny irregularity to the paper above the window in the upper right quadrant, possibly inherent and visible only upon very close inspection. This work is in very good condition, as viewed. It 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
This alluring work on paper is an exquisite example of the melancholic paintings laden with symbolism, executed by Ganesh Pyne in his prime years where he masterfully layers his brushstrokes and washes with precision. This is an evening scene in which the façade of the stone building is brilliantly scattered with the interplay of light and shadow, creating the illusion of dancing shapes in the night. Krishna playing the flute emerges from a tunneled opening.
Known for the dreamlike and theatrical quality of his work, Pyne's early influences included the lyrical compositions of the Bengal School, and particularly the brothers Abanindranath and Gagendranath Tagore, whose artwork played a fundamental role in the visual culture of early twentieth century Bengal. His choice of theme also stems from his love of traditional Indian folktales, which his grandmother would entertain him with as a child. Like many of Pyne’s figures, Krishna's limbs are wooden and seemingly immobile, this coupled with his broad elongated eyes peering out of the darkness gives the picture a haunting ambiance. This purposeful lack of dynamism is counterbalanced by the expansive grace of a pale and earthly palette, creating a luminous effect. Pyne's figures are usually anonymous thereby symbolizing the universal. The depiction of Krishna is therefore a significant departure from his figures of children, mystical creatures or luminous goddesses, all of which hearken back to remnants of childhood memories.
Known for the dreamlike and theatrical quality of his work, Pyne's early influences included the lyrical compositions of the Bengal School, and particularly the brothers Abanindranath and Gagendranath Tagore, whose artwork played a fundamental role in the visual culture of early twentieth century Bengal. His choice of theme also stems from his love of traditional Indian folktales, which his grandmother would entertain him with as a child. Like many of Pyne’s figures, Krishna's limbs are wooden and seemingly immobile, this coupled with his broad elongated eyes peering out of the darkness gives the picture a haunting ambiance. This purposeful lack of dynamism is counterbalanced by the expansive grace of a pale and earthly palette, creating a luminous effect. Pyne's figures are usually anonymous thereby symbolizing the universal. The depiction of Krishna is therefore a significant departure from his figures of children, mystical creatures or luminous goddesses, all of which hearken back to remnants of childhood memories.