3 Review(s)

The Spirit of Indian Painting: Close Encounters with 101 Great Works 1100 – 1900, by B. N. Goswamy, is a lavishly illustrated book that discusses the wonders of Indian paintings and their significance. Summary of the Book This title offers an informative introductory essay, a layered world, explaining thoroughly the themes and emotions that inspired Indian painters, the standards and effects that molded their work and the exclusive ways in which they portray time and space. The first part discusses the different aspects of various regional styles, the rapport between patrons and painters, the environment in which they created their works, and the tools and techniques the painters used. The second part contains close encounters with 101 great works. Carefully selected and spanning almost a thousand years, these works range from Jain manuscripts and Rajasthani, Mughal, Pahari and Deccan miniatures, to company school paintings. The author’s explanation and analysis of these works reveal the riches that lie within them and show us how to read each painting. He points out to the minutest features, explicates its visual vocabulary and imagery and narrates the story, legend or an event that inspired it. About B. N. Goswamy B. N. Goswamy is a world famous authority on Indian painting. He has curated exhibitions of Indian art at some of the foremost museums. Goswamy has also compiled several books, including The Word is Sacred, Sacred is the Word: The Indian Manuscript Tradition; Daniells’ India: Views from the Eighteenth Century; Ranga Roopa: Gods, Words, Images; Indian Paintings in the Sarabhai Foundation; and I See No Stranger: Early Sikh Art And Devotion.