Jamini Roy (1887–1972)

One of the earliest and most important artists of the Indian modernist movement, Jamini Roy began his artistic training in the European academic style. In response to a burgeoning sense of nationalism, from the mid-1920s he became increasingly influenced by indigenous folk art and craft traditions as well as East Asian calligraphy. Roy was particularly inspired by the Kalighat style, producing minimalist works characterized by soft, curvilinear strokes showcasing the artist’s control of the brush.

These paintings employed imagery from everyday life, such as mother and child figures, and were executed in monochromatic palettes.

The present artwork epitomizes the simplistic style Roy developed during this period in his career. Fluid, sweeping black strokes against a soft gray background form the outline of a woman standing in three-quarters view, her hands crossed in front and her head tilted coyly. Devoid of any identifying features, the painting evokes an inviting yet mysterious atmosphere, ultimately illustrating the artist’s mastery of the brush and contour. The piece is signed in Bengali at the lower right.

Untitled (Woman Standing)

India

Circa 1920

Tempera painting on cardboard

68,6 cm x 36,2 cm

Price on request

Provenance:

Private collection, New York

Private collection, Pennsylvania aRtWORk pResented BY:

Kapoor Galleries

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