National Gallery of Modern Art-Parikraman

Nandalal Bose

A Sketch from Album No. 88 9240 Nandalal Bose Pen & Ink on postcard

The fluid handling of the line and their strong delineation in the calligraphic style adds grace and spirit to the subjects narrated in the drawings and sketches of Nandalal Bose. The folds of the drapes, their coiffures, ornaments and their implements are keenly observed by the artist. In this delightful pen and ink drawing, Nandalal has portrayed a mother affectionately holding her child's hand and is tending to her gently.The perceptible representation of both the mother and the young one is executed by the use of delicate yet free flowing lines with pen and ink that also lends to the tonal variations to their form and drapes. The artist has astutely juxtaposed them against the backdrop of a flowering shrub in terms of spatial treatment.Art historian R. Siva Kumar in the book, 'Rhythms of India: The Art of Nandalal Bose' has described the sketches and drawings of Nandalal as - "Nandalal's drawing take through different landscapes and introduce us to life in different cultures- not cosmetically, but intimately. Done on small cards, these drawings are a visual record of the artist's sensory experiences, and they capture the varying moods and gestures with remarkable ease and economy."