Nikhil Biswas (Indian, 1930-1966) Untitled (Horse)

Nikhil Biswas (Indian, 1930-1966)
Untitled (Horse)
signed 'Nikhil' lower centre
ink on paper
31.5 x 30.5cm (12 3/8 x 12in).
Provenance
Property from a private collection, Sri Lanka.

Nikhil Biswas work as an art teacher. Despite the financial problems and the low income, he earned from his job, Biswas was dedicated to his craft and would paint every day, even if that meant compromising on the quality of the materials he used. The present lot, painted on one such material, using an ink pen and brush, shows a horse in the rearing position. Horses take up this position in response to a perceived threat, or when playing with other horses. In art, a horse painted in this stance is often thought to be a symbol of strength, power, and freedom. Painted using strokes alternating between thin and thick ink, there is a pulsating energy to this horse. The horse appears to be gearing up to leap out of the artwork. He looks squashed and confined within the small space, and whilst his hind legs are well defined, his face appears hidden amongst the movement. There is a dynamism to this work and a controlled emotional frenzy.