Amrita Sher-Gil: 4 Revered Paintings That Continue To Inspire Modern Indian Artists

Amrita Sher-Gil, a trailblazing figure in Indian modern art, stood as one of the foremost avant-garde female artists of the 20th century. Her paintings remain timeless, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for contemporary Indian artists. Notably, in a recent auction, one of her creations titled 'The Story Teller,' dating back to 1937, achieved a historic milestone by selling for USD 7.4 million (approximately Rs 61.8 crore), establishing a record for the highest price ever attained for a work by an Indian artist. With this, we look back at some of her revered paintings.

1. ‘The Story Teller’ By Amrita Sher-Gil

Amrita Sher-Gil's artwork made history in a recent auction by fetching an impressive ₹61.8 crore. It's worth highlighting that this achievement marks the highest-ever price attained for a work by an Indian artist. This particular painting, titled 'The Story Teller,' was crafted by Ms. Sher-Gil back in 1937. SaffronArt, the auction house, mentioned that the renowned artist aimed to delve into the realm of domestic life through her art. In a statement released by Saffronart before the auction, the significance of Sher-Gil's artwork was emphasised as it was created during a crucial formative period in the artist’s career, where her European and Indian influences converged to form a distinctive artistic language.

2. Group Of Three Girls By Amrita Sher-Gil

In 1935, Amrita Sher-Gil made, ‘Three Girls,’ marking her first artwork following her return to India from Europe in 1934. Occasionally referred to as ‘Group of Three Girls,’ this painting earned Sher-Gil the prestigious gold medal at the annual exhibition of the Bombay Art Society in 1937. Interestingly, this artwork was initially included in a collection sent to Nawab Salar Jang of Hyderabad, who ultimately declined all the other pieces. The painting itself depicts three women dressed in vibrant attire, deeply contemplating a destiny that seems beyond their control. Sher-Gil's portrayal is notable for its lack of sensualisation, instead presenting these women as individuals confronting significant challenges while displaying the resilience to transcend a fate they could not alter.

3. Bride’s Toilet By Amrita Sher-Gil

As part of the South Indian trilogy, the painting ‘Bride's Toilet,’ created during this period, drew inspiration from the classical tradition of the Ajanta murals. Amrita Sher-Gil depicted a large group of figures in this image, employing a diverse and vibrant colour palette to define them. During her extensive travels, Sher-Gil encountered the Ajanta Caves in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra and the Mogul miniatures of South Indian culture. Each of these artistic styles left a lasting impression on her. However, she was deeply disheartened by the neglect of art in India. This led her to embark on a mission to rekindle India's artistic passion. She started blending the frescoes of the Ajanta Caves and the Mogul miniatures into her European artistic training, resulting in remarkable works such as ‘Bride's Toilet.’

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4. ‘Tribal Women’ By Amrita Sher-Gil

Amrita Sher-Gil crafted the painting ‘Tribal Women’ in the year 1938. While many of Amrita Sher-Gil's portrayals of women often convey somber, oppressed, and defeated emotions, 'Tribal Women' stands as a unique departure. This artwork emanates a maternal warmth, evident in the mother's affectionate smile, and it captures the innocence and vibrancy of youth with the daughter's blooming flower. The painting's composition exudes a tender and tranquil love, inviting viewers to gaze upon it with a sense of enduring beauty and timelessness. It serves as a gentle reminder of the softer and more nurturing aspects of human relationships, contrasting with the melancholic undertones often found in Sher-Gil's other works.

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Credits: Amrita Sher-Gil Instagram/ Saffronart.com