Page 66 - Iconic Master

ETERNAL

LOVERS

A SYMBOLISM OF DIVINE UNION

Maqbool Fida Husain's Eternal Lovers showcases his
masterful integration of Indian iconography with a
modern sensibility, reflecting his deep engagement
with the past and his ability to reimagine it for the
present. Painted in the late 1960s, the work presents
an intimate portrayal of a couple, drawing inspiration
from the mythological union of Shiva and Parvati,
often depicted as Uma-Maheshvara in Indian art. This
symbolism connects the piece to the timeless theme
of divine love, embodying Husain’s interpretation of
the ideal union between man and woman.

In Eternal Lovers, Husain's use of earthy and vibrant
tones, along with his distinctive, bold brushstrokes,
demonstrates his unique artistic language. The
entwined figures are sculpted through sharp lines,
and the female form radiates subtle hues of pine
green and yellow, reminiscent of classical Indian
sculpture. His careful treatment of the figures evokes
the sensuous aesthetics found in the temple carvings
of Mathura and Khajuraho, which deeply influenced
him after a pivotal visit to Delhi in 1948.

This painting, with its roots in the traditions of
Indian art and mythology, yet distinctly modern in
execution, illustrates Husain’s remarkable ability
to draw upon ancient forms while developing a
contemporary visual vocabulary. His synthesis
of different historical periods, folk elements, and
miniature painting techniques reveals the depth of
his cultural consciousness, allowing him to forge an
artistic style that resonates with the rhythms of both
tradition and modernity.