Osian's Auction Catalogue India The Passionate Detachment | February 2001

SEEDS OF MODERNISM 117 82 ABANINDRANATH TAGORE (1871 - 1951) National Art Treasure Rest Signed in Urdu, l.r. Watercolour & wash on paper, 1910 17.2 x 12.4 cm. (6.8 x 4.9”) Rs. 500,000 - 600,000 Non-Exportable Item “ Many people wrongly believe that Abanindranath is a Revivalist, resuscitating and repeating the formulas (sic) of ancient schools of painting. His genius consists in an uncanny power of assimilating methods and manners from all countries and schools. He has freely adapted secrets of pictorial art from East Asiatic as well as from European masters in a liberal spirit of eclecticism and in his experimental creations he has harmonised both eastern and western points of view in a mysterious fusion… The extremely wide range of his vision, theme and technique makes it very difficult to group his works under any leading characteristics or dominating tendencies and it is almost impossible to put any ‘label’ on the general character of his works…” (O.C.Ganguly, in AT.VBQ 1951 , p12). “ As a teacher, Dr.(Abanindranath) Tagore has no rival. It has been well said that a teacher is born and not made. His gift as a teacher even surpasses his many gifts as an artist. With his youngest pupils, he has the infinite patience of a mother, and the affectionate sympathy of a father. He has the uncanny manner of drawing out the best parts of even the most mediocre students. He never imposes his own style on his pupils. ” (O.C.Ganguly, in VBQ, Vol. VIII 1942, p99). PAPR Lot 26 Sita in Banishment Watercolor 32.4 x 21.6 cm. ASP: £ 12,650/ Rs. 910,800 (£1 = Rs. 72.00)