Important Notice

Amrita Sher-Gil's work often explored feminine themes, and the artist was drawn to depicting women "in an emotionally charged and sensuous manner." (Artist quoted in Vivan Sundaram ed., Amrita Sher-Gil: A Self-Portrait in Letters & Writings, Volume 1, New Delhi: Tulika Books, 2010, p. xl) Her early works showcase an artist on the verge of realising her artistic strengths. Sher-Gil was yet to discover the synthesis of form and colour seen... Amrita Sher-Gil's work often explored feminine themes, and the artist was drawn to depicting women "in an emotionally charged and sensuous manner." (Artist quoted in Vivan Sundaram ed., Amrita Sher-Gil: A Self-Portrait in Letters & Writings, Volume 1, New Delhi: Tulika Books, 2010, p. xl) Her early works showcase an artist on the verge of realising her artistic strengths. Sher-Gil was yet to discover the synthesis of form and colour seen in her later work, but nonetheless, her portrayals from this time evoke a sense of haunting beauty, as seen in the present lot. Sher-Gil's fondness for portraying female figures and relationships would remain with her throughout her career, manifesting in later oil paintings which often depicted women and were "handled with great sensitivity and not with superficial pity or condescension." (Yashodhara Dalmia, Amrita Sher Gil: A Life, New Delhi: Penguin, 2006, p. 20)

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