• NGMA India

    Nandalal Bose

    A Sketch from Album No. 85 9190 Nandalal Bose Pen & Ink on postcard

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Nandalal is known to have fervently sketched on postcard sized papers mostly using pen and ink, recording his surroundings. His small sketches vastly vary in detailing, some drawn quickly with just a few lines, others executed with more elaborate characteristics from an analytical perspective. His search for newer forms of expression and his inner urge to constantly innovate is well reflected in the multiple postcards in the collection of the museum which portray the artist's visual experiences of flora fauna, the people, their attires, life in rural villages, the landscapes, etc. Dinkar Kowshik in his article 'Drawings and Sketches of Nandalal in the book, "Nandalal Bose - A collection of Essays" has written of Nandalal's sketches and drawings - "Much of his (Nandalal) strength and sensitive wealth finds expression in the spontaneity of his sketches. They are a veritable treasure of shrewd observation, powerful calligraphy, psychological insight, rich sallies of humour and emphatic portrayal of the flora and fauna." This particular drawing showcases Nandalal's master draftsmanship in executing the figures of the man and the woman with controlled but fluent lines. A male figure in the background is also seen playing a drum, suggesting a festive occasion.