Abanindranath Tagore

Born on August 7, 1871, in the Tagore family’s grand Jorasanko mansion in Calcutta, Abanindranath Tagore was the son of artist Gunendranath Tagore and nephew of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Abanindranath’s artistic journey unfolded during the Swadeshi movement, aligning his work with the nationalist revivalist ethos. A pivotal encounter with E. B. Havell, who encouraged him to delve into Mughal and Rajput painting. This led to the establishment of the Bengal School of Art, which became the cornerstone of India’s revivalist art movement. As a teacher, he profoundly influenced artists like Nandalal Bose and Asit Haldar, shaping a generation that redefined Indian modern art.

Though rooted in European realist techniques, Abanindranath incorporated diverse elements such as Ajanta frescoes, Kalighat pats, and Mughal, Japanese, and Persian styles. His celebrated works include Abhisarika, Krishnaleela, The Last Days of Shahjahan, Bharat Mata, and the literary piece Sakuntala. In his later years, his focus shifted from nationalist themes to deeply personal expressions in painting and writing, transitioning from the public to the private realm.

Abanindranath Tagore passed away on December 5, 1951, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Indian art.