The Spirit of Indian Painting: Close Encounters with 101 Great Works 1100–1900

In this magnificent, lavishly illustrated book, renowned art historian B. N. Goswamy opens readers’ eyes to the wonders of Indian painting, and shows them new ways of seeing art. An illuminating introductory essay, ‘A Layered World’, explains the themes and emotions that inspired famous painters, the values and influences that shaped their work, and the unique ways in which they depicted Time and Space. It describes, too, the different regional styles, the relationship between patrons and painters, the tools and techniques the painters used and the milieu in which they created their works. The second part of this book, ‘Close Encounters with 101 Works’, presents paintings carefully selected by Professor Goswamy, spanning nearly a thousand years and ranging from Jain manuscripts and Rajasthani, Mughal, Pahari and Deccani miniatures, to Company School paintings. His description and analysis of these works unlock the treasures that lie within them and show us how to ‘read’ each painting as he pours out its finest features, explains its visual vocabulary and symbolism, and recounts the story, legend or event that inspired it. Combining deep scholarship with great storytelling, this is a book of enduring value that will both educate and delight the reader.

Table of Contents

1. Visions • 2. Observation • 3. Passion • 4. Contemplation

Goswamy's pleasure in what he is describing is always evident ... An excellent work. --Literary Review

The survey is cleverly designed - it uses images to cover different periods, subjects and themes, and regional styles, which is suggestive of a visual dictionary of Indian art. --Asian Art Newspaper

Goswamy's detailed descriptions and perceptive analysis are invaluable in helping the reader read the visual vocabulary, symbolism and history ... This book has already been hailed as a classic. --Mature Times

Goswamy aims to reconstruct the identities of 800 years' worth of artists, but it is his lyrical writing on theme and symbolism that truly beguiles. --Times Higher Education Supplement

[A] thrilling and novel survey ... a wonderful primer to an unfamiliar world of art. --RA Magazine

Although 82, [Goswamy's] formidable energies are manifestly intact, as this sumptuous survey of Indian painting shows with a flourish. --Daily Telegraph

B. N. Goswamy is a leading historian on Indian art. He has taught at several universities in India and abroad, and curated major exhibitions of Indian art at the world s leading museums.