Reverse Glass Painting In India

Book Details

• Author: Anna L. Dallapiccola

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Edition: First Edition

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 252

• ISBN: 9789385285349

• Languages: English

• Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.0 x 0.9 inches

About The Book

Reverse Glass Painting: The Forgotten Art of Colonial India by Anna L. Dallapiccola introduces readers to an enchanting yet relatively unknown facet of Indian art. Flourishing in the mid-19th century, reverse glass painting was a unique artistic form created by both Chinese and Indian artists. These vibrant, luminous paintings, often crafted on glass, were adored by royal patrons, prosperous landowners, and urban merchants in colonial India.

The themes of these artworks were diverse, ranging from portraits of rulers and their families to depictions of nobles, dancers, courtesans, and religious subjects drawn from the Puranas and Epics. Many of the portraits feature western-style settings, offering a rare glimpse into the tastes and lifestyles of the western-educated urban elite in mid-19th and early 20th century India.

The book showcases over 100 color images of reverse glass paintings, revealing rare gems from numerous private collections across India. These vivid pieces capture the rich cultural and historical landscape of colonial India, offering readers a deeper understanding of an artistic tradition that has often been overlooked.