Jamini Roy (Indian, 1887-1972) Untitled (Four Santhal Drummers)

Jamini Roy (Indian, 1887-1972)
Untitled (Four Santhal Drummers)
signed in Bengali lower right
gouache on paper on card
42.8 x 54.3cm (16 7/8 x 21 3/8in).
Provenance
Property from a private collection, Sri Lanka.
Acquired by LTP Manjushri from the artist in India;
Acquired from the above;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

Santhal Drummers is a fantastic example of Roy's unique style, wherein he combined traditional Indian folk art with modern painting techniques. He was particularly fascinated by the art and culture of the Santhal tribe, one of the largest indigenous communities in India, and likely painted this work as a tribute to their culture.

Santhal Drummers is one of Jamini Roy's most famous paintings, and in the present lot it depicts four Santhal men playing traditional drums. Roy was drawn to the Santhal culture and their art, which he saw as pure and unadulterated by the influence of modern civilization. In his paintings of Santhal life, he sought to capture the simplicity, purity, and vibrancy of their culture.

Roy was also interested in exploring the formal aspects of art, such as colour, line, and form, which he has captured well in the present lot. The bold, simple lines and bright colours used in the painting are characteristic of his unique style, which was influenced by traditional Indian folk art.

To see a similar work sold in these rooms see Bonhams, Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern and South Asian Art, London, 2nd June 2010, lot 8.