The Indian Portrait

An online museum on the fascinating journey of Indian Portraits
from the collection of Anil Relia

Anjan Roy

Anjan Roy (1955 – 1998) Grandson of Jamini Roy Artist Jamini Roy (1887 – 1972) dated 1956, Mixed Media on paper 10.8 x 8 in. (27.4 x 20.3 cm.) This intimate portrait of Anjan Roy, painted by his grandfather Jamini Roy in 1956, offers a rare glimpse into the personal world of one of India’s […]

Fardunjee Marzaban

Fardunjee Marzaban (1787 – 1847) Printer, Gujarati Journalist, Founder of Mumbai Samachar Artist Kooty dated 1944, Oil on canvas 30.1 x 24.2 in. (76.5 x 61.5 cm.) This powerful portrait of Fardunjee Marzaban, painted by the artist Kooty in 1944. It is a compelling reinterpretation of an original work gifted to Marzaban by his friend, […]

Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay

Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay (1820 – 1891) an Educator and Social Reformer Artist Atul Bose (1898 – 1977) circa 1930, Oil on canvas 18 x 14 in. (45.7 x 35.6 cm.) Ishwar Chandra Bandyopadhyay, popularly known as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, was a pioneering Indian educator, reformer, and writer during the Bengal Renaissance. Known for his monumental […]

Ervad Edalji Burjorji Sahiar

Ervad Edalji Burjorji Sahiar (1853 – 1922) Hon. Deputy Grand Master A.S.F.I Artist J. A. Lalkaka (1884 – 1967) dated 1934, Oil on canvas 29.1 x 24 in. (73.9 x 61 cm.) The portrait depicts Ervad Edalji Burjorji Sahiar, a prominent figure whose life was marked by diverse accomplishments and philanthropy. The painting posthumously captures […]

Elderly woman with prayer beads

Elderly woman with prayer beads A religious lady from Konkan attributed to A. X. Trindade (1870 – 1935) circa 1910, Oil on canvas 40 x 30 in. (101.6 x 76.2 cm.) This evocative portrait by A.X. Trindade portrays an elderly Indian woman with grace and dignity, seated in a composed, upright posture. Clasped in her […]

General Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh

General Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh (1880 – 1943) Maharaja of Bikaner Artist A. H. Muller (1878 – 1960) circa 1925, Oil on paper pasted on board 36 x 22.8 in. (91.4 x 57.9 cm.) Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner was a prominent and respected ruler during the British Raj. His extensive reign, beginning in 1887, […]

Rattonjee Framjee Daboo

Rattonjee Framjee Daboo (1846 – 1908) Philanthropist from Navsari and Surat Artist M F Pithawalla (1872 – 1937) dated 1909, Oil on canvas 32.5 x 26 in. (82.6 x 66 cm.) Rattonjee Framjee Daboo was a respected Parsi gentleman whose life reflected dedication to service, community upliftment, and faith. Educated at the Jarthoshti Madressa in […]

Ramdulal De Sarkar

Ramdulal De Sarkar (1752 – 1825) Modern Bengali entrepreneur and millionaire attributed to Sasikumar Hesh (1869 – ?) circa 1895, Oil on canvas 40.6 x 30.7 in. (103.1 x 78 cm.) This portrait depicts Ramdulal De, widely regarded as the first modern Bengali entrepreneur and a pioneering figure in Indo-American maritime trade. He was born […]

Purshottam Vishram Mavji

Purshottam Vishram Mavji (1879 – 1929) Philanthropist, Art collector and patron of Culture Artist M. V. Dhurandhar (1867 – 1944) dated 1931, Oil on canvas 35.8 x 24.8 in. (90.9 x 63 cm.) Sheth Purshottam was a prominent Jain merchant, philanthropist, and connoisseur of art in the early 20th-century Bombay. Born into a prosperous textile […]

Nalibai Marwanji Mehta

Nalibai Marwanji Mehta (1862 – 1901) Philanthropist from Navsari Artist Raja Ravi Varma (1848 – 1906) dated 1 October, 1891, Oil on canvas 50 x 40 in. (127 x 101.6 cm.) Nalibai, born in 1862 and deceased in 1901, was the wife of Marwanji Nanabhai Mehta, a prominent Parsi businessman and philanthropist. Educated in Navsari […]