A business tycoon from Mumbai
by K. P. Dabholkar
dated: 1957
Oil on canvas
78.3 x 42.1 in. (199 x 107 cm.)
During the later part of the century we could see a transformation in the depiction of the Indian industrialist or noble men. The portraits started to look more European in its stylization and description in terms of attire and background. This could clearly also indicate the influence of education and the changing paradigms of the image of a gentleman.
This portrait by K. P. Dabholkar, shows an Indian person in a western attire, with a scroll in hand, book cabinet in the background and a victorian style flower arrangement by the side. The framing of the portrait is also done in the form of self-indulgent decorative style known as “art-deco” that was prevalent during those times. This style of framing is said to have been synonymous with depiction of luxury, glamour, exuberance and faith in social and technological progress.