Famous Paintings are those artistic expression, which touch the hearts hence leaves an ineradicable impact. From ancient times thousands of painters have enriched Indian arts. Amongst innumerous number of paintings it will be difficult to select just a few.
One of the famous Indian paintings is indeed Raja Ravi Verma`s Shakuntala. Remarkable treatment of color teamed with the restrained strokes and bold depiction makes this a masterpiece of its own rank. Also named as "Shakuntala looking for Dushyanta", this picture is an epic painting by the great maestro, Raja Ravi Verma. This painting depicts Shakuntala as the central character of Mahabharata looking for her husband, Dushyanta.
Abanindranath Tagore`s "Bharat Mata" is another famous painting of India, Painted in the year 1905, Bharat Mata stands as the logo of the national aspiration. Abanindranath in his famous painting embodied the high political feelings of the then period. The picture is strange yet fascinating. A secular figure of a woman was painted like a Hindu deity ; however instead of the divine attributes she carries in her four hands the symbols of common man`s dreams. In one hand she holds the sheaves of corn, which represents freedom from hunger, a piece of cloth in her other hand stand as the emblem of clothing for all. ; there is a manuscript in her one hand representing knowledge and the rudraksha beads symbolises spiritual experience. She has a halo behind her head and lotuses bloom at her feet. The style of this famous Indian painting is far different than the ones prevailing at that era. The lyrical treatment of watercolor makes this piece a remarkable piece of art.
Hemen Majumdar`s illustrious painting, `Lady with Lamp` is also considered as one of the famous Indian paintings depicting the serenity and loneliness of a woman. The subtle tone of color, the majestic blend of light and shade that Hemen Majumdar employed in this painting has made this particular piece an insignia of contemporary painting.
Rabindranath Tagore took painting as another form of manifesting his artistry in his much later life, when already he was a name in the arena of literature. His `self portraits` are considered as the true representation of style and are indeed regarded as the famous Indian paintings. Shades of green tones, bold purple and that dashing strokes of pencil that what describes Rabindranath Tagore`s self portrait. Quite rightly said by the scholars that "His self-portraits reflect a deeper psychological need - that of a creative person always in search of self" Tagore`s self portrait still stands as an art of sheer excellence.
Another famous Indian painting is painted by Ramkinkar Baij`and has been named as `Jakkha O Jakkhi`: This is a remarkable experimentation of the eminent painter. This creation not only did set the trend of contemporary art form but also delineated this particular genre of modern art to a great extent.
Bikash Bhattacharya`s `Doll-series once again drew the attention of the common man to the art form, painting Extremely realistic painting this dolls house redefined the very essence of contemporary art whilst adding a whole new facet to the very term `famous Indian paintings`.
Basically a collection of calligraphic paintings based on the writings of the Sufi saints. Geeta Vadhera`s `Dhoop series` is indeed a remarkable piece and is counted one amongst the famous paintings of India.
M.F.Hussain`s `Horses-series` is another famous Indian painting which ideally depicts the age old concept of ardhanarishwara. The front part of horse is male, that`s why more aggressive and the posture part is of a female horse, together depicting the concept of `Ardhanariswar`(half man and half woman) - this very theme gains an eloquent articulation in the hands of Hussain.
A remarkable piece, an illustrious expression, Jamini Roy`s "Seated Woman in Sari" is counted one amongst the famous Indian paintings. Simple color, flat tone and Kalighat potua style are the ways how women is depicted in a whole new light in this particular painting which ideally illustrates Jamini Roy`s archetypal influence of Bengal School mannerisms which is indeed his original style.
Another contemporary art, Jainul Abedin`s `Series on Bengal Famine` is certainly one of the famous Indian paintings. This Series on Bengal famine is somewhat a bold step in illustrating those million hapless who died on the pavements. Amidst the dull color tone and the audacious strokes Jainul Abedin`s `Series on Bengal Famine` is indeed a masterpiece. A masterpiece in the true sense of the term, "Devajyoti Ray`s `In Despair` is somewhat a matured experimentation with colors and subtle touch and is counted as one of the famous Indian paintings. The restrained union of bold and mild colors has added a definite articulation to this painting.
Tyeb Mehta`s `Mahisasur` is another piece which has been categorised as the famous Indian paintings: The artist with his unique story telling style had once again re-explained the tale of Mahishashura and Goddess Durga with the harmonization color, tone, patches and hue. The picture, depicting Durga locked in an embrace with Mahisha offers a distinct class to the painting.
