Spiritual Symbolism and Colonial Transformation
Indian art is shaped by a unique visual language in which millennia-old religious traditions, regional stylistic diversity, and a heightened sense of ornamentation, color, and symbolism converge. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this art stood at the intersection of indigenous aesthetics and the increasing influence of European colonial powers — a period of profound transformation that not only introduced new techniques and subjects but also laid the foundation for a modern Indian painting tradition.
Mughal Art, Regional Styles, and Courtly Painting
Mughal painting, which had flourished under the Muslim emperors of the Indian subcontinent since the 16th century, remained vibrant into the 18th century. It blended Persian miniature conventions with Indian themes and reached an artistic apex in the work of painters such as Nainsukh and his brother Manaku. Nainsukh, active at the Rajput courts, brought significant innovations to Pahari painting — the school of the northern hill regions — through his nuanced treatment of facial expression, light, and spatial depth. His works depict scenes of courtly life, portraits of nobility, and episodes from the Krishna cycle with remarkable intimacy and observational subtlety. In parallel, other regional schools such as the Rajasthani painting traditions of Jaipur, Mewar, and Marwar continued to thrive. From the late 18th century onward, a new hybrid genre emerged: Company Painting. Indian artists produced detailed and often naturalistic works — botanical, zoological, architectural, and ethnographic — for British colonial officials. These images synthesized European realism with the meticulous detail and surface richness characteristic of Indian visual culture.
Painting in Colonial India
During the 19th century, the growing influence of Western academic art became evident, especially with the establishment of art schools in Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta. This period saw the emergence of works that combined historical, mythological, and religious themes with naturalistic representation — a hybrid aesthetic now referred to as Early Modern Indian Art. Among the most influential figures of this era was Raja Ravi Varma, often regarded as a foundational figure in modern Indian painting. He synthesized European oil painting techniques with Indian subject matter, and his chromolithographic reproductions of deities such as Lakshmi and Saraswati made these icons accessible to a mass audience for the first time. His work established a stylistic model that profoundly influenced subsequent generations and is often seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity. In contrast, Abanindranath Tagore — active in the late 19th century — consciously turned away from Western models. He founded the Bengal School of Art, which drew upon East Asian influences and classical Indian miniature traditions. His symbolist compositions, such as Bharat Mata, marked a pivotal moment in the articulation of a visually rooted national identity.
Nature, Knowledge, and Cultural Exchange
Beyond mythology and religion, the depiction of the natural world — flora, fauna, and landscape — has long been central to Indian art, particularly in both court workshops and Company Painting. Numerous botanical and zoological illustrations were produced on commission from British scientists and officials, blending scientific observation with aesthetic refinement. These images reveal a singular synthesis of empirical precision and artistic sensibility. They also show clear parallels with Western natural illustrators such as Robert Thornton, John Gould, and Sita Ram, who either worked in India or were influenced by Indian visual conventions. In these visual investigations of the subcontinent, Eastern and Western perspectives frequently intersected — sometimes in collaborative dialogue, sometimes marked by the tensions of patronage and authorship.
Buy Fine Art Prints at Betterposter
If you are captivated by the symbolic richness, vivid colors, and layered narratives of Indian art, Betterposter offers a curated collection of high-quality fine art prints. From the intricate miniatures of Nainsukh and the iconic god images of Raja Ravi Varma to nature-inspired works from the era of Company Painting — our selection brings the artistic diversity of India into your home. Printed on color-rich, archival-grade paper and available in various formats, these reproductions offer a refined way to experience India’s cultural heritage. Orders over €59 receive free shipping, and with our 100-day return policy, you can explore your selection at your own pace.