Important Notice

The present lot is a historical depiction of Atisa Srijnana Dipankara, a monk from Eastern Bengal, who journeyed to Tibet in the 11th century. This was a time of cultural exchange between India and neighbouring countries, when Tibetan monks studied at monasteries in India, and Indian Buddhists visited Tibet. Haldar often portrayed scenes from history and mythology with subtlety and accuracy, as can be seen here in the details of... The present lot is a historical depiction of Atisa Srijnana Dipankara, a monk from Eastern Bengal, who journeyed to Tibet in the 11th century. This was a time of cultural exchange between India and neighbouring countries, when Tibetan monks studied at monasteries in India, and Indian Buddhists visited Tibet. Haldar often portrayed scenes from history and mythology with subtlety and accuracy, as can be seen here in the details of the costumes, the shaded mountain landscape and the depiction of the challenging journey. An important member of the Bengal School of Art, he created a new technique of lacquer painting, but was equally renowned for illustrating a wide range of books, in addition to being a gifted sculptor and writer. This painting has been published in a volume of 30 watercolour works by Haldar depicting significant historical episodes in India, titled Indian Culture at a Glance, which “form a new type of art and… the excellence of execution in dealing with difficult historical materials that do not lend itself very easily to artistic treatment.” (Dr Radha Kumud Mookerji, Indian Culture at a Glance, Lucknow: The Department of Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, 1960)

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