Painting, a bird, by Abanindranath Tagore, watercolour on postcard, India, ca. 1924

This painting, in watercolour on the back of a postcard, depicts a study of a parrot with foliage. The watercolour is executed in a wash technique which gives an atmosphere of space and timelessness. The style demonstrates far-Eastern influence.The image is painted on a postcard which was sent by the artist to Roop Krishna Esq. The message on the reverse reads: "My dear Rup, I wish you all Happy New Year, yours sincerely A.Tagore." Postmarked Calcutta 21 April 1924.

A study of a parrot with foliage.

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 study of a parrot with foliage is executed in a wash technique which gives an atmosphere of space and timelessness. The image is painted on a postcard which was sent by the artist to Roop Krishna Esq and postmarked Calcutta 21 April 1924. The message on the reverse reads: "My dear Rup, I wish you all Happy New Year, yours sincerely A.Tagore."

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.128-1984