A luminary of academic realism in Calcutta, artist Jamini Prakash Gangooly was a master painter known for his profoundly beautiful landscapes Born in 1876, Gangooly’s artistic journey was influenced by his familial ties to the esteemed Jorasanko family of Abanindranath and Gaganendranath Tagore, exposing him to the rich cultural milieu of Bengal from an early age Trained under the tutelage of British painter Charles Palmer, Gangooly honed his craft, blending European naturalistic techniques with the vibrant imagery of his homeland

Renowned for his exquisite portrayal of light and shade, Gangooly’s penchant for capturing the transient beauty of twilight hours set him apart His beach scenes, like the presented lot, are revered for their painterly finesse and emotive depth Through subtle brushwork and nuanced tonality, Gangooly imbued his landscapes with a captivating aura, evoking a sense of melancholic nostalgia Gangooly was celebrated for his expertise in both portraiture and landscape painting, making him a prominent figure in the art world during the early twentieth century His renown extended far beyond his native India, earning him widespread recognition and numerous accolades Notably, in 1902, he distinguished himself as the sole Indian entrant in the landscape category at Simla, clinching the prestigious Finlay Prize for his masterpiece, “Wet Banks of the Ganges” Additionally, his talents were lauded with the Bombay Art Society Gold Medal in 1910, further solidifying his status as a distinguished artist of his era