Art, especially portrait painting, is subjective, and what one person finds beautiful may differ for another. However, some paintings of Indian women have been widely celebrated for their beauty and artistry. Here are 10 Most Beautiful Indian Women Paintings of All Times
1. Bani Thani
This renowned painting from Rajasthan is one of the most famous depictions of an Indian woman. Created by Nihal Chand, it portrays Bani Thani, a singer and poet from Kishangarh during the reign of King Sawant Singh. Often likened to the Mona Lisa, this miniature painting is noted for its exaggerated features.
2. Mohini
Created by Raja Ravi Varma, this painting is undoubtedly one of his most captivating works. It depicts Mohini, who is believe to be the female avatar of Lord Vishnu. The artist has rendered not only the woman but also the landscape with striking realism. Mohini is portraying sitting on a swing, adorned in a white saree with golden lace. As with many of Varma’s Indian paintings, he skillfully combines European and Indian painting techniques, giving the artwork a surreal quality.
3. Three girls
This painting, depicting rural women, was created by a legendary Indian female painter whose works have fetch impressive prices at Sotheby’s and Christie’s auctions. Interestingly, the three girls in the painting are her cousins. The artist tragically passed away at the young age of 28, an age when many women are just beginning to start families. However, thanks to advancements in technology, there is no longer an ideal age to become a mother. All three women—Beant Kaur, Gurbhajan Kaur, and Narwair Kaur—went on to have children and lived to see their grandchildren.
4.Glow of Hope
This painting is often mistakenly attribute to Raja Ravi Varma, but it is actually the work of S L Haldankar. The story behind this artwork is quite intriguing. The woman depicted is the artist’s daughter, who reportedly stood still for three hours to allow her father to complete the painting flawlessly. Known as ‘A Lady with a Lamp,’ this watercolor masterpiece is currently house in the Jaganmohan Palace, within the Jaychama Rajendra Art Gallery in Mysore. The artist’s skill is evident in the way he masterfully captures the effects of light on the woman’s face, the background, and her fingers.
5. Tamil Girl with her Parrots
The paintings of S. Elayaraja are renowned for their photorealistic quality. Few artists possess a unique style and technique that are truly inimitable, and Elayaraja is among them. Although he has created many artworks, this particular painting has garnered more recognition and appreciation than his others. The meticulous attention to detail, from the innocence on the South Indian girl’s face to the pleats of her clothing and the feathers of the parrot, makes the painting resemble a real photograph. Furthermore, each of his paintings reflects his deep connection to the tradition and culture of Tamil Nadu.
6. Three Pujarins
The most notable Indian artist to embrace the modernist painting style in the twentieth century was Jamini Roy. She created this painting using exceptionally vibrant and lively colors. The artwork is a visual delight, featuring the unique characteristics of the three depicted women, such as their almond-shaped eyes.
7. Bengali Woman
Jamini Roy Known for his distinctive style that draws from traditional Bengali folk art, Roy’s “Bengali Woman” is a striking portrayal of a Bengali lady. The simplicity and bold lines give the painting a timeless beauty.
8. Damayanti Talking to a Swan
Raja Ravi Varma’s This painting depicts Damayanti, a character from the Mahabharata, conversing with a swan. The grace and elegance of Damayanti are beautifully captured, showcasing Varma’s skill in combining Indian themes with European techniques.
9. Self Portrait as Tahitian
This self-portrait reflects Amrita Sher-Gil’s fascination with Paul Gauguin’s works and her own unique style that blended Western and Indian influences. The painting exudes a sense of beauty and self-awareness.
10. Shakuntala
Raja Ravi Varma, one of the most celebrated painters in Indian history, painted many works depicting Indian women. “Shakuntala” is particularly famous, showcasing his talent for blending Indian themes with European techniques.
