Born in 1898, Atul Bose was a revered portraiture artist from Bengal in the early 20th century He started his education at the Jubilee Academy and then studied at the Government Art School, Calcutta A sketch of educationist Asutosh Mukherjee titled, ‘Bengal Tiger,’ earned Atul Bose a scholarship to the Royal Academy in London 

During the two years he spent there, the artist was highly influenced by Walter Sickert, a German-born British painter and printmaker He started teaching at the Government art school in Calcutta upon his return to India In 1929, Atul Bose participated in a nationwide competition to execute copies of the Windsor Castle royal portraits, which were to adorn the walls of the Viceroy's new residence in New Delhi He was chosen as a winner by architect Edwin Lutyens, who also requested the artist to draw his likeness  Awarded a prize from the Government of India, he travelled to England next year to receive it