Pestonji Bomanji
(1851 - 1938)
Seascape With Boats
Pestonji Bomanji (1851–1938) was one of the most notable portrait painters of the early 20th century whose style was largely dictated by the academic training that was disseminated by European institutions in India. Although Bomanji is most known for his skillful portraits which were often allegorical and referenced Indic traditions, he mastered naturalistic academic rendering in the genre of landscape as well. The present lot is a remarkable...
Pestonji Bomanji (1851–1938) was one of the most notable portrait painters of the early 20th century whose style was largely dictated by the academic training that was disseminated by European institutions in India. Although Bomanji is most known for his skillful portraits which were often allegorical and referenced Indic traditions, he mastered naturalistic academic rendering in the genre of landscape as well. The present lot is a remarkable seascape depicted in sombre hues creating an interplay of light and shade that gives a sense of calm to a portrayal of a rather busy shore with boats and boatmen. The painting also displays his understanding of perspective and depth which was greatly emphasised upon by European schools. Bomanji’s cultivated skill is testament to his position as an important modern Indian artist: “Far from being merely the first portrait painter produced by the J J School of Art, Bomanji was a foundational presence and deserves to be set beside Raja Ravi Varma in the history of modern Indian art.” (Nancy Adajania and Ranjit Hoskote, “What does it mean to be Parsi? An art exhibition provides an answer,” Scroll, 26 April 2016, online)
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Lot
6
of
102
SUMMER ONLINE AUCTION: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY SOUTH ASIAN ART
Estimate
$5,000 - 7,000
Winning Bid
$48,120
Why?
ARTWORK DETAILS
Pestonji Bomanji Seascape With Boats
Signed and dated 'Pestonji Bomanji/ 1898' (lower left)
PROVENANCE
PUBLISHED Modern Indian Painting: Jane & Kito de Boer Collection , Ahmedabad: Mapin Publishing Pvt Ltd, 2019, p. 78 (illustrated)
Category: Painting
ARTWORK SIZE: