Page 24 - AstaGuru Masters Legacy April 2024

Seminal Portraits in Colonial India

by Benjamin Hudson

PORTRAIT OF FRAMJI NASSERWANJI PATEL, PORTRAIT OF BABU RAMA BRASAG RAI
A PARTNER IN WALLACE & CO. 30 x 24.3 in (76.2 x 62.8 cm)
56.3 x 44 in (143 x 112.2 cm), Oil on canvas Oil on canvas, Circa 1854

PORTRAIT OF SRIMATI PRAVABATI AS A YOUNG GIRL PORTRAIT OF RAJA ISWAR CHANDRA SINHA
56.3 x 44 in (143 x 112.2 cm) 50 x 39.8 in (127 x 101 cm)
Oil on canvas Oil on canvas

Benjamin Hudson’s journey in India began in the West. Yet, this divergence fuelled
with his arrival in Calcutta in the mid his acclaim in India, where he emerged
1850s, a time when academic realism as a beacon for local artists transitioning
had fallen out of fashion in the West. towards Western academic realism.

His sojourn in India proved transformative, Hudson’s oeuvre in India reflected his
as he garnered prestigious commissions penchant for miniature-esque paintings
from Indian elites, including royals and East and demonstrated remarkable technical
India Company traders. Hudson’s decision to proficiency. His portraits, notably of
remain in the region until 1862 was pivotal, Burdwan court members and the Nawab of
allowing him to defy artistic norms prevalent Murshidabad, not only captured the essence
among his European counterparts. While of his subjects but also bridged cultural
contemporaries embraced impressionism divides, inspiring indigenous artists. Through
and chiaroscuro, Hudson championed his artistry, Hudson left an indelible legacy, PORTRAIT OF BANGSO GOPAL NANDI PORTRAIT OF SIR WILLIAM BROOKE
academic realism, a departure deemed reshaping perceptions of traditionalism and 56.3 x 44 in (143 x 112.2 cm) O’SHAUGHNESSY WITH A TELEGRAPH MACHINE
audacious during its waning popularity innovation in the tapestry of Indian art. Oil on canvas 50 x 40 in (127 x 101.5 cm), Oil on canvas