The artwork of Tagore continues to inspire.
Born August 7, 1871, Abanindranath Tagore is known as The Father of Modern Art, revolutionising the Indian art scene.
He founded the Bengal School of Art in the early 20th century when India was still under the British Raj. This new art movement brought waves of nationalist movements to the artistic world.
Pioneering the renaissance of traditional Indian art and moving away from Western influences, Abanindranath Tagore was a crucial figure in shaping the future of Indian art.
Using modernised Mughal and Rajput traditions, he countered the Western influence on Indian modes of art.
In celebration of the Indian art world, we present seven Abanindranath Tagore artworks for you to explore.
Bharat Mata (1905)
Painted in 1905, the artwork depicts a woman dressed in saffron with four arms.
In each hand is a blessing, a cloth, prayer beads, a manuscript, and grain.
The objects she holds represent the necessary foundations for a national future in India – clothing, faith, knowledge and food.
The striking woman’s head is crowned with a double halo, formed from Tagore’s careful colour mixing.
Around her feet is a sprinkling of lotus flowers, representing the divine.
It is evident that the woman is no one but the goddess Bharat Mata, also known as ‘Mother India’.
The iconic figure is the personification of the Indian state, which re-emerged in the 19th century out of the anti-colonial sentiment in India.
She represents Indian unity and values.
While the painting conveys a certain delicacy and soft aura, its meaning certainly embodies the power of the Indian nation.
Tagore certainly knew the impact the symbolism in his artwork would have.
Journey’s End (1913)
Depicting an overworked camel struggling under the weight of its baggage, this Abanindranath Tagore artwork is a solemn one, creating an atmosphere of suffering.
The deep reds and warm orange undertones mirror the pain of the camel, and the colour drains out of the painting as you get closer to the foreground.
The now-darkened colour highlights the peril and intensity of the camel.
The rich colour-washed background draws all attention to the camel, centering it.
Its stance suggests that it has collapsed from fatigue on its long journey across the desert.
Unbeknownst to most, there is seemingly a thin stream of blood flowing from the camel’s mouth – yet again emphasising its pain.
The artwork evokes a sense of finality. Is this the end of the journey for the camel? Does it get back up after this heart-quenching moment?
The subject of the painting is the collapsed camel. But what is the meaning behind this Abanindranath Tagore artwork?
Taking the date of the piece, 1913, one can only infer that the artwork is yet another reflection on the British Raj.
The camel is simultaneous to the heavy exploitation of Indian workers under colonial power.
Ganesh Janani (1908)
Another Abaninandranath Tagore artwork depicting Indian spirituality is Ganesh Janini.
The bright piece depicts a woman in traditional clothing affectionately supporting a childlike figure by the hand and feet with the backdrop of a mountain against a rich night sky.
The figure she holds has a bright red body and is elaborately adorned.
However, the most notable feature is its elephant head. Indicating that this is none other than Ganesh.
He is the spiritual being of new beginnings, who people often revere before they begin a journey.
The playful stance of Ganesh and the endearing face of the woman indicate that she is, in fact, his mother – the goddess Parvati.
This is strengthened by the mountain in the background, as she is also known as the Daughter of the Mountain.
The natural landscape of India and the spirituality are intertwined, as the painting emphasises.
Every choice Abanindranath Tagore makes in his art is an informed one.
The soft colour palette and delicacy of lines create a feeling of peace and tranquillity in the artwork.
Nasim Bagh (1920s)
This painting by Abanindranath Tagore evokes a sense of calm.
The muted palette and simplistic brushstrokes of the background bleed into the centre of the piece.
On the left is a lone rose standing tall and healthy, mirroring the colour scheme of the man.
Contrasting with the fluid mark-making of the tree and background are the firm light lines of the wall surrounding the figure.
These not only bracket the man but create a sense of purpose, placing him solidly in the foreground.
The simplicity adds a hypnotic quality to the artwork. The serene lone figure is content to sit in peace with their book, inkpot and flower.
With no distinct political message or motive behind the artwork, Nasim Bagh is a work to behold.
Asoka’s Queen (1910)
The figure in this work is indeed the Emperor Asoka’s queen.
He was the last renowned emperor of the Mauryan dynasty, with his reign around 273-232 BCE.
Adorned in jewels and finery that represent her regal status, she is gazing in a look of contemplation and serenity.
This shows Abanindranath Tagore’s delicacy and simplistic attention to detail portray a softness to the traditional style of art.
The carefully crafted background of Tagore’s painting, including floral patterns, a vase of flowers and a small tree, attune to the queen, making her a divine feminine figure in this painting.
Asoka’s Queen is held in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.
The Passing of Shah Jahan (1902)
Inspired by the traditional forms of Mughal miniatures, The Passing of Shah Jahan seeks to connect Indians to their heritage, just like other Abanindranath Tagore artworks.
Blending the techniques of miniature painting, Japanese wash techniques and watercolour painting, Tagore can create this masterpiece of longing.
Keeping in line with the traditional motif of royalty in Mughal miniatures, the emperor Shah Jahan is depicted lying in his bed gazing at the Taj Mahal, known as his greatest life achievement.
This visual narrative documents the events of Emperor Shah Jahan’s life, spending his moments confined to the walls of the Agra Fort by his eldest son, Aurangzeb.
At his feet is his eldest daughter, Jahanara, who sits, keeping her father company in his last moments.
This famous Abanindranath Tagore artwork portrays an atmosphere of longing and sorrow. But it also has elements of pride.
The bright white Taj Mahal, contrasted against the night sky, spotlights the monument in all its glory.
The Victory of Buddha (1914)
Yet again, this Abanindranath Tagore artwork depicts a level of Indian spirituality and the divine.
Using a soft, muted palette, the simplicity of the painting only enhances its ethereal quality.
A Buddha is depicted kneeling on a deep, washed navy surface, with a colour gradient transitioning up the painting.
Around the Buddha’s head is a delicate halo or sun, mirroring that of the sun with rays of light shining around the patient figure.
Abanindranath Tagore’s artworks are greatly influential and serve as a reminder of Indian heritage and culture.
Through graceful techniques and attention to detail, Abanindranath Tagore creates these longstanding masterpieces.
His transformative art paved the way for Indian artists to challenge Western influence and forge their own artistic horizons to reinforce their heritage away from colonialism.
The artwork of Tagore continues to inspire generations of painters, and therein lies his greatness.
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