82
83
Labels on verso
This painting by Almelkar was exhibited at the Bombay Art Society’s annual exhibition in 1953 and at the first exhibition of Indian art
at the Venice Biennale in the following year. The lyrical composition, graceful lines and decorative elements are characteristic features of
the artist’s style. Almelkar was strongly influenced by traditional Indian art, particularly Indian miniatures from the Rajput and Deccan
traditions. Around the mid‒forties, he began painting subjects inspired by Indian history, mythology and the
raga
‒
raginis
of Hindustani
music. Almelkar often applied colours with his fingers, instead of a brush, and created unique textures using materials such as jute, combs
or rags.
41
A A ALMELKAR
(1920 ‒ 1982)
Radha
Signed A A ALMELKAR (lower right);
bearing Venice Biennale (1954) and
the Bombay Art Society labels (on
the reverse)
1953
Watercolour on mountboard pasted
on board
8 x 5.75 in (20.6 x 14.3 cm)
Rs 3,00,000 ‒ 5,00,000
$ 4,765 ‒ 7,940
EXHIBITED:
63
rd
Annual Exhibition 1953‒54,
Bombay:
The Bombay Art Society, 1953
Venice: XXVII Biennale Internazionale
d'Arte di Venezia,
19 June ‒ 17 October 1954