While we are inundated with beautiful creations of art day-in and day-out, there are a few exceptional paintings that have transcended time, culture and civilizations to carve out their deserved place in the history of the art. For centuries, these artist paintings have captivated the art lovers, not just because they are beautiful, but they hold within themselves a story. Every stroke of the paintbrush and each drop of colour used is like a word written on the canvas elaborating a tale of its own. Let’s explore some of the m... Read more>>

Since the beginning of civilization, humans have used images to tell their stories. The carved stone relief (image above) dates back to 2475-2195 BC features a large figure ‘Methethy’, who is giving orders to four servants (depicted smaller in size) carrying inventory of his possessions. This story painting is in accordance with the conventions of the ancient authoritarian culture wherein the most important and powerful figures, whether gods or humans, are depicted as larger than nonentity such as servants, common people. ... Read more>>

Finding its origin in the late 19th century, abstract art was pioneered by many forward thinking painters. Representing a pivotal moment in modernism, this art form has manifested through the years and is widely celebrated for its avant-garde aesthetic. As a catalyst for the contemporary art movement, abstract artists rejected the rules and techniques of traditional art. Rather than focusing on figurative and representational depictions, abstract artists emphasised on colour, composition, process and emotion of their artwork. He... Read more>>

The story of Indian portrait art is a riveting and fascinating journey. From cave paintings, frescoes, and sculptures to painted photographs, portraiture in India has undergone a drastic change over the centuries. Defined as a recognizable representation of human individuals, the role of the portrait in India is multi-faceted. These images serve as the official chronicle revealing the history of the period and the personality of the individual depicted. At the same time, Indian portraiture also elaborates on the role of patronage i... Read more>>

‘Mona Lisa’ is one of the most iconic and recognizable portraits in the world. Painted by Leonardo da Vinci between1503 and 1506, it is an enigmatic half-length portrait painting wherein Mona Lisa’s captivating gaze and smile radiates mystery, sensuality as well as contentment. Owing to this depth and complexity of expression, this magnificent artwork is often regarded as the pinnacle of portraiture. Portraiture is a very old art form and dates back to more than thousands of years ago when it was reserved for depi... Read more>>