Painting, landscape at Kurseong, by Abanindranath Tagore, watercolour on postcard, Kursiyang, probably 1924

Painting, watercolour on cardboard, landscape at Kurseong, or Kursiyang, (near Darjeeling) with rocks and trees, painted in grey, green and brown tones. This image is painted on a postcard which was sent by the artist to Roop Krishna Esq, c/o Ramakrishna and sons Booksellers, Anarkali St. Lahore. Postmark dated 10th October 1924.

Mountain landscape.

Purchase. RF 84/866. Purchased on behalf of the V&A by Indar Pasricha from Sotheby's on 18-04-84 together with I.S. 123 to 129 - 1984.

Abanindranath Tagore (1871 - 1951) was the pioneer and leading exponent of the Bengal School of Art. In his paintings, he sought to counter the influence of Western art as taught in art schools under the British Raj, by modernizing indigenous Moghul and Rajput traditions. His work became so influential that it was eventually accepted and regarded as a national Indian style within British and international art institutions.

In his work, Abanindranath retrieved themes from the Indian epic past or scenes from romantic tales, such as Arabian Nights or Omar Khaiyam and reworked them in a highly romanticised style. The artist’s desire to emancipate Indian art from European influence was also fostered by Japanese artist Okakura Kakuzo, who visited him in 1902. Later, studying Japanese art under Japanese artists, Taikoan and Hilsida, Abanindranath assimilated Far Eastern techniques such as the wash into his work. His Omar Khaiyam series (1906-08) reflects such influences. Abanindranath’s use of colour was also highly personalized and found its appropriate language in two major techniques: wash and tempera.

The scene is painted on a postcard. The landscape depicts a view of Kurseong (near Darjeeling) as seen from the artist. There are rocks and trees, painted in grey, green and brown tones. The watercolour is executed in a wash technique which gives an atmosphere of space and timelessness. The postcard was sent by the artist to Roop Krishna Esq. The message on the reverse reads: "My dear Rup, we are in the hills. Thank you for your PC. Accept our blessings. Give my namaskar to your father." Postmark dated 10th October 1924.

Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951) was the pioneer and leading exponent of the Bengal School of Art. In his paintings, he sought to counter the influence of Western art as taught in art schools under the British Raj, by modernizing indigenous Moghul and Rajput traditions. His work became so influential that it was eventually accepted and regarded as a national Indian style. Later, studying Japanese art under Japanese artists, Taikoan and Hilsida, Abanindranath assimilated Far Eastern techniques such as the wash into his work.

IS.125-1984