Osian's Auction Catalogue The Masterpieces and Museum Quality Series | October 2004

122 OSIAN ’ s–CONNOISSEURS OF ART 82 Jamini ROY [ 1887-1972/ b . Beliatore, Bankura, West Bengal] National Art Treasure Crucifixion Signed in Bengali l.r. Tempera on handmade cardboard, mid 1950s 53.0 x 69.0 cm (20.9 x 27.2 in) Paint is flaking at various parts of the painting. Rs. 600,000 – 700,000 Non-Exportable Item ‘Jamini Roy portrayed this tragic episode of the life of Jesus in the folk art tradition of Bengal visualizing a happy integration of European theme with indigenous technique. Jesus nailed on the cross with two large red palms and feet on altar is represented inside an archshaped structure similar to black stella enshrining image of Indian sculpture. The entire composition of Christ, particularly crowned head, red nailed palm and the abstract form have close similarity with Jamini Roy / Crucifixion Refer to Catalogue of Collections, Vol.1: National Gallery of Modern Art. New Delhi: NGMA 1989, for B/w illustration of work from the same series: Acc. No.157. the wooden dolls and Jagannath pata painting of Puri and the tribal patas of Bengal. The purity and simplicity of form is further enhanced by subdued tonal treatment.’ – Sipra Chakravarti, rpt. in Indian Museum Album: Paintings of Jamini Ray. 1991; p13.