A merchant from Surat
by Pestonji Bomanji (1851-1938)
circa 1890
Oil on canvas
29.5 x 22 in. (75 x 56 cm.)
Pestonji became the Sir J. J. School of Art’s first portrait painter. Though his interest lay in sculpting, providence brought him to the principal – John Griffiths notice. Griffith understood his talent and appointed him as a draughtsman on an expedition to the Ajanta caves. He also recommended Pestonji as an apprentice to Valentine Prinsep, a visiting painter, triggering Bomanji’s interest in portraiture.
In this portrait we can see the academic realism that was widespread as well as the skill with which Bomanji worked and executed his subjects.
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by Muncharam M
dated: 16-04-1897 Oil on canvas
Size: 25.6 x 20 in. (65 x 51 cm.) We can also notice the folk hints in this portrait of
the same gentleman done by a traditional artist
vis-a-vis the classiness of Bomanji’s skills.
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