Page 104 - Manifest September 2024

Lot No. 55

GANESH PYNE

1937-2013
UNTITLED (THE TORCH)
20 x 18 in (50.8 x 45.7 cm)
Tempera on canvas
2003
Signed & Dated: Bottom Right
` 80,00,000 - 1,20,00,000
$ 97,561 - 146,341
Provenance: Property from a collection based
in New Delhi

Ganesh Pyne’s art is filled with enigmatic imagery,
often inspired by traditional folklore. The myths
and fables he heard as a child, along with his own
childhood memories and fears, play a significant role
in his paintings. His work frequently features warriors
and symbols of heroism, evoking ancient associations
with the establishment of idealistic values.
In the mid-1960s, Pyne adopted tempera as his
primary medium. Prior to this, he worked with inks
and washes but grew increasingly dissatisfied with
watercolour’s limitations. Tempera, an opaque
medium where pigment is mixed with a binding
agent to adhere to the canvas, allowed Pyne to
experiment with indigenous powder pigments
and various binding agents. This experimentation
led him to develop a distinctive technique for
building up the surface and texture of his canvases.

In this phase of his work, Pyne’s figures became
more angular, and his palette more luminous, adding
a sense of mystery to his compositions. The strength
of the torch-bearer is emphasised by the steady,
serene glow of the torch he holds, symbolising
unwavering resolve.